Ludhiana, February 27
Four persons were injured, two of them seriously, in a fierce clash between Youth Akali Dal (YAD) groups in the plush Sarabha Nagar Market here today.

Two of the injured, Kaka Grewal and Sarbjit of Koom Kalan village, have been admitted to Christian Medical College and Hospital with bullet injuries. Their condition is stable, said sources. Eyewitnesses claimed more than two persons had been shot at.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detective) MS Dhesi did not rule out the possibility of more persons having been hit by bullets. More than 100 shots were reportedly fired during the clash. Ravinder Pal Singh Minku, YAD vice-president, said none of the persons involved in the incident were YAD members. "We do not support people who believe in the gun culture,” he said. Arminder Singh, Station House Officer (SHO), Sarabha Nagar, said investigations were on.

He refused to comment when asked if the assailants were affiliated with any party. Sources said four persons had been detained.

The police has obtained the CCTV footage of the incident. Kinda Dhaliwal and his rival Kaka Grewal had an altercation at Sarabha Nagar's main market earlier in the day. Accompanied by at least 25 supporters each, the two confronted each other at the G- Block Market in the evening, hurling abuses at each other.

Soon arms were out and the market was turned into a battleground. The firing went on for 15 minutes, triggering panic in the area. The assailants took shelter in nearby houses. Security guards deployed outside the house of SAD leader Jagdev Singh Talwandi said the assailants had tried to enter the house. Congress leaders Ishwarjot Cheema and Pawan Dewan said the YAD was fast turning into an outfit of criminals.