Elderly Passenger Injured in Stone-Pelting Incident on Delhi-Srinagar Bus
A verbal clash escalated into violence at a Haryana dhaba, injuring a passenger and prompting political reactions.
A Delhi-Srinagar bus was attacked in Haryana, injuring an elderly passenger.
Haryana Police attribute the incident to a parking dispute, not communal tensions.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for action against the attackers.
On the night of October 17, a private bus traveling from Delhi to Srinagar was subjected to a violent attack at Divine Star Dhaba in Karnal district, Haryana. The incident occurred around 10:30 PM when the bus, which was carrying several passengers, was targeted with stones and bricks, resulting in shattered windows and injuries to an elderly passenger.
The confrontation began with a verbal dispute between a passenger on the bus and two men in a car, which quickly escalated. According to reports, the bus driver, Waqar, stated that the altercation was sparked by the two men demanding the bus to leave the parking area, labeling it a "terrorist vehicle." Following this, they allegedly broke the front windshield and threatened the bus occupants, leading to a chaotic scene.
Political leaders have reacted strongly to the incident. Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed his concern over the attack, labeling it as unfortunate and urging the Haryana authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators. Abdullah emphasized the need for accountability to prevent such incidents from recurring, highlighting the fear and helplessness experienced by the passengers during the attack.
Haryana Police have indicated that their initial investigation suggests the incident stemmed from a parking dispute rather than a communal attack. Officers reported that the individuals involved had been drinking prior to the confrontation. They also noted that no formal complaints had been filed by either party, although they are actively encouraging the bus passengers to report the incident. The police have assured that they will take strict measures against those responsible for the violence.
Looking ahead, authorities are expected to continue their investigation into the incident, with a focus on ensuring the safety of travelers in the region. The police have stated their commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the public and maintaining peace, while also working to clarify the circumstances surrounding this troubling event.
