Dacoits injure nine of family; decamp with cash, jewellery

After most of the victims fell unconscious, the assailants ransacked the tents and took away the valuables and mobile phones. In their statement to the police, the victims said that they had Rs 5 lakh and jewellery worth several lakhs.

After the incident, one of the family members went to the nearest village to call for help, following which police were informed. The members of the extended family of the victim from Banur and Nawanshahr also arrived.

The injured were first taken to the Civil Hospital in Kharar from where they were referred to PGI and GMSH-16, Chandigarh. Habbi Mohammad’s cousin Nekko, in her 40s, is critical.

Senior officers, including SSP IMS Bhatti, reached the spot in the morning. A case of dacoity, attempt to cause grievous hurt, and house-breaking was registered with the Sohana police against unknown people, SHO Satwant Singh said.

Police added, “The victims said that the assailants spoke in Hindi in a dialect common among nomadic tribes in the region, just like in some previous incidents. The manner of attack and brutality were hallmarks of Kala Kachha gang or the ‘bangala gangs’. However, the victims said that the assailants were not clad in underwear.” Salima, a victim, said she could recognise some of the accused if produced before her.