Five injured in shootout over land

GHAZIABAD:  Five people were injured when two rival groups of land grabbers clashed over taking forceful possession of public land. 

Both groups belong to Jawali village under Loni police station of Ghaziabad.

According to police official S.P. Singh, one faction, led by Harcharan, protested the illegal possession of public land by the other group, led by Satish.

On Monday, when Harcharan was passing through the disputed land, Anil, the younger brother of Satish objected. Members of both groups assembled on the spot. A heated argument ensued, which soon turned into a pitched battle with rods and sticks.

In the meantime, Anil brought a licensed pistol from home and opened fire on the rival group. Four members of the Harcharan group sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to the Guru Tegh Bahadur (GTB) Hospital in Delhi. The injured were identified as Harcharan, Dhoom Singh, Ravinder Brahm Singh and Rajwati.

Harcharan's condition is said to be critical. The police arrested Jitender from the other group, while Satish and Anil are absconding.

A criminal case has been registered against them.