2 Punjab youths arrested for attacking Himachal roadways bus in Kharar

Sunil Chadha
DHARAMSHALA: Two Punjab youths have been arrested in connection with the recent attack on a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus that was on its way from Chandigarh to Hamirpur three days ago.

The incident had occurred on Tuesday (March 18, 2025) evening near Kharar in Punjab when unidentified persons targeted the bus with sticks and rods, damaging the windshield and several windows.

The bus, which had departed from Chandigarh at 6.15 pm, was en route to Hamirpur when the attack occurred. No injuries were reported among the passengers, the driver or the conductor, though the attack left everyone on board shaken.

Immediately after the incident, a passenger notified the Kharar City police station and the police arrived on the scene. The damaged bus was later removed from the road and an investigation was launched.

FIR registered, investigation underway

An FIR has been filed for the vandalism involving the HRTC bus from the Hamirpur unit near Kharar in Mohali district of Punjab.

Senior officers from the Himachal Pradesh Police Headquarters in Shimla held discussions with the Special Director General of Police, Law and Order, Punjab, to ensure the case is addressed promptly. The SAS Nagar police, Mohali, are leading the investigation into the matter.

The attackers had gone to lengths to conceal their identities, covering their car’s number plate with paper, which initially hindered the identification process. However, following the prompt action of the Kharar police and assistance from the passengers, the investigation gained traction.

Accused from Ropar, Muktsar

The Punjab Police successfully tracked down and arrested two persons involved in the attack. The arrested suspects have been identified as Gagandeep Singh, son of Jasbir Singh, resident of Muktsar Sahib in Punjab, and currently residing in Ballomajra; and Hardeep Singh, son of Narinder Pal Singh, a resident of Bhattha Sahib in Ropar, Punjab.

The police have also recovered the vehicle used in the attack, which had been used to block the bus and carry out the act of vandalism.

HRTC management calls for increased vigilance

In light of the attack, the HRTC management has urged passengers to report any suspicious activities immediately to strengthen safety and security measures for all travellers. Senior officers from the Punjab Police have reassured the public of heightened security for buses, passengers and vehicles travelling between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.