Ludhiana, Punjab: Nine individuals, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with a tragic shooting incident at a wedding ceremony on Pakhowal Road in Ludhiana, Punjab, which claimed the lives of two people and left another injured, police confirmed on Tuesday.

The violent episode occurred on Saturday night during what was meant to be a joyful celebration. According to police reports, the shooting erupted when two rival groups, who had a long-standing enmity, came face-to-face during the wedding festivities. The confrontation quickly escalated into an exchange of gunfire, shocking other guests and turning a moment of celebration into chaos.

Sequence of Events

Police investigations reveal that the conflict between the two groups had simmered for some time. On the night of the wedding, one group led by Shubham Motta and the other led by Ankur attended the ceremony as invited guests. Initially, a verbal argument broke out over an unspecified issue, and despite attempts by other attendees to intervene and mediate, tensions escalated rapidly.

Witnesses reported that the disagreement quickly spiraled into violence. According to the police, 20–25 rounds were fired at the venue during the exchange. The gunfire resulted in the deaths of two wedding guests and left another injured, while the assailants fled the scene immediately after the incident.

Police Action and Arrests

In response to the incident, Ludhiana police launched an intensive investigation, which led to the arrest of nine individuals connected to the shooting. Among those detained was a woman allegedly involved in aiding the suspects. Authorities have also registered multiple FIRs in relation to the case.

One FIR pertains to the shooting itself, filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Sadar police station. Another FIR was registered against the security staff of the wedding venue, accused of allowing armed individuals to enter the premises without following proper checks or adhering to security protocols. A third FIR targets four people, including a woman, accused of sheltering the suspects after the shooting. Police have indicated that more arrests are likely as the investigation continues.

Venue and Security Lapses

The wedding venue management is under scrutiny for alleged lapses in following security guidelines and norms issued by the local administration. Officials noted that the groom had also been booked for inviting notorious individuals to the ceremony, a factor that may have contributed to the escalation of violence.

Community Reaction and Aftermath

The wedding shooting has sent shockwaves through Ludhiana, highlighting concerns over rising incidents of gun violence and the dangers posed by unresolved rivalries in communities. Relatives of the deceased expressed grief and called for swift justice against those responsible. Meanwhile, local authorities have assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that strict action will be taken against all those involved, including individuals who facilitated the entry of armed personnel or provided shelter post-incident.

This tragic event underscores the need for stricter enforcement of security measures at public gatherings, particularly weddings and other social functions, to prevent such incidents in the future. Law enforcement agencies have urged community members to report potential threats and disputes before they escalate into violence.