Birthday gathering turns violent outside hotel
TNR News Network
Una: A late-night birthday celebration in Una’s Lal Singhri area turned into a d*eadly confrontation on Tuesday (November 20, 2025) night, leaving Youth Congress leader Ashu Puri d*ead.
The police have now added charges under the Arms Act and registered a detailed FIR that outlines the sequence of events and identifies the accused.
According to the FIR filed at Sadar police station by Akash (28), a resident of Bahadla, he and several friends had gathered at a local hotel around 8.15 pm on November 19 to celebrate Ashu Puri’s birthday. The group included Varinder Pal Singh (also known as Lali), residents of Bhattoli and Santokhgarh, and a few others.
At the same venue, another group, comprising Gurjit Mann, Purjinder alias Pindu, Parminder from Sanoli, Jasbinder, Harsh of Jattpur and Maninder of Majara, was also holding a party. After both gatherings moved to the parking area, Ashu cut the cake while music played from their vehicle. The complaint states that at this point, members of the second group approached and began hurling abuses.
FIR: Accused allegedly provoked, assaulted before shooting
The FIR alleges that when Ashu tried to ask why the other group was abusing them, he was assaulted by Gurjit Mann, Purjinder, Parminder and their associates. When Akash and others intervened, the situation briefly cooled and both sides returned to their respective vehicles.
Moments later, however, the complaint states that Parminder, holding a pistol, rushed toward Ashu while Gurjit and Purjinder allegedly urged him to “shoot Ashu in the head”. Akash claims Parminder fired at point-blank range, hitting Ashu in the head and continued shooting even after he collapsed. The FIR also mentions that others in the group joined Parminder in supporting the attack.
Akash and another youth rushed the critically injured Ashu to Una hospital where doctors declared him brought dead. Purjinder and Parminder, who also sustained injuries during the clash, were referred to PGI-Chandigarh for treatment.
Police confirm one death; both groups linked to Congress
Una SP Amit Yadav confirmed that the firing took place outside the hotel and that he personally inspected the site. He noted that both parties were known to each other and that one person died in the incident.
The police have registered cases against Gurjit Mann, reportedly a former Youth Congress block president, along with Purjinder and Parminder. They now face charges, including murder and violations under the Arms Act.
The incident has triggered questions over law and order in the district, especially as both groups involved are said to have affiliations with the ruling Congress. An investigation is underway and the police are continuing efforts to piece together the exact motive and roles of all individuals involved.
