Panchkula, May 4
Tensions escalated in Panchkula ahead of the municipal corporation elections after a late-night clash broke out in Ward No. 9, a constituency already marked as sensitive by authorities.
According to police and local sources, the incident occurred on Saturday night when a dispute between supporters of BJP candidate Harinder Malik and independent candidate Mamta Ravikant Swami turned violent. The altercation, which reportedly began as a verbal argument, quickly escalated into physical violence, leaving several people injured.
Eyewitnesses said that supporters from both sides were involved in the clash. The injured were taken to a nearby government hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. CCTV footage and mobile phone recordings have surfaced, and authorities are examining them as part of the investigation.
Local residents said political tensions had been rising in the ward as polling day approached, eventually culminating in the violent confrontation.
Independent candidate Mamta Ravikant Swami alleged that a home guard personnel, reportedly related to the BJP candidate, along with another individual, assaulted her son. She claimed that despite attempts to resolve the matter by seeking an apology, the situation worsened. According to her, her brother Yogesh sustained a head injury, while her son suffered injuries to his head and abdomen. A CT scan has been conducted, and the report is awaited.
However, BJP candidate Harinder Malik rejected the allegations as baseless. He countered that some individuals forcibly entered his election office, triggering the confrontation.
Police officials said a detailed investigation is underway, and all evidence, including CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, is being reviewed to establish the facts.
The incident has raised concerns about law and order in the run-up to polling, with authorities expected to tighten security arrangements in the sensitive ward to prevent further escalation.
