Our Correspondent
Tarn Taran, May 18

Eight persons of two groups were injured in an indiscriminate cross firing that took place at Cheema Kalan village, 35 km from here, on Sunday night. A one-acre plot was the reason behind the incident.

The two groups, one led by Dhara Singh and the other by Charan Singh, had been claiming to be the actual owner of the plot. Sub-Inspector Nirmal Singh said both Dhara Singh and Charan Singh had purchased a three-acre plot each from Maninder Raj Singh, an NRI of the village, a few years ago. Besides, both the parties were laying separate claim to a one-acre plot adjoining their plots.

In the current wheat season, Charan Singh had not only cultivated the land but also harvested the crop. Now, the Dhara Singh group wanted to usurp the land forcibly.

SI Nirmal Singh said Dhara Singh and his three sons along with their 30 armed supporters went to till the land.

Charan Singh, his sons and their 12 armed supporters too reached the spot to stop the Dhara Singh group from doing so. Both the sides broke into a verbal duel, which led to indiscriminate cross firing between them.

The Sub-Inspector said three persons of the Dhara Singh group, who were injured in the incident, submitted their medical reports to the police on Monday. He said it was learnt that five supporters of Charan Singh were also injured in the cross firing. One of the injured, who received bullet injuries at his face, was referred to the PGI, Chandigarh.

The SI said a case under Sections 307, 324, 323, 148 and 149 of the IPC and Sections 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act had been registered against both the groups by the Patti Sadar police. The police have initiated further investigation.