5 arrested after two groups clash in Punjab's Phagwara

Five people were arrested after a clash broke out between two groups in the Shastri Nagar area here, police said today.

They said one Vishal had been nursing a grudge against Sahil Sharma after the duo had an altercation over some issue on Thursday. On Friday, he, along with his supporters, carrying sharp-edged weapons, attacked the house of Sahil Sharma.

The group fled when they were confronted by Sahil Sharma and his men, leaving behind two motorcycles, police said, adding that in the melee gunshots were fired in the air.

No one, however, was injured, they said.

Following the incident, over 14 people were booked on charges of opening fire, armed rioting and criminal assault, police said.

So far five among them have been arrested and efforts are on to nab the others, they said.

Those arrested included Sahil Sharma, Sahib Sharma, Varun Bedi, Karan Sharma and Vasu Sharma, all belonging to one group.

Vishal, Lucky Sharma, Anush, Anju, Raju, Abhi Pandit, Romi of Mehli village and Sabhi of Atholi village are still at large, police said.

They added a case has also been registered against some unidentified persons.

Police said both Vishal of Nigahan mohalla and Sahil Sharma of Shastri Nagar in Baba Gadhiya worked in the Madan Cloth House here.