2 involved in shooting at migrant labourers in Punjab's Moga held after encounter
Chandigarh (PTI): Two persons, allegedly involved in the shooting at migrant labourers in Punjab's Moga district, were arrested following an exchange of gunfire with the police there on Sunday.
Jobanpreet sustained a bullet injury in his leg following an encounter near Ghalkalan village, while his accomplice, Akashdeep, was also nabbed, said police.
Two migrant labourers were injured after three unidentified assailants on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at a group of workers in the district on February 10.
Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Gandhi on Sunday said police had prior information about the presence of the two accused involved in the shooting incident.
ALSO READ: UP: Man arrested for posting video with 'objectionable remarks' against PM Modi
A police team intercepted Jobanpreet and Akashdeep, who were on a motorcycle, and signalled them to stop. But they opened fire at the police, said the SSP while speaking to reporters.
When police retaliated, Jobanpreet sustained a bullet injury in his leg. Akashdeep, who tried to run away, was also apprehended.
The bike used in the crime has also been recovered, said the SSP.
Two weapons, along with four empty shells and one live round, have been recovered from them. The accused fired four to five rounds at the police. However, no one from the police team sustained any injury.
Police investigation revealed that the two accused, along with their other accomplice, opened fire at the labourers on February 10, on the instructions of their foreign-based handler.
"Their motive was to disturb peace in Punjab," the SSP said, adding that two persons hailing from Ferozepur district have already been arrested for allegedly providing shelter to Jobanpreet and Akashdeep.
Another accused involved in the shooting is yet to be nabbed.
The shooting incident occurred on the Zira road when the migrant workers were going for a meal after their work at a factory. Out of three accused on the motorcycle, one opened fire, and one of them made a video of the firing incident.
After the incident, an unverified post surfaced on Instagram in which a user named Nirvair Singh claimed responsibility for the firing. The post also contained a video of the purported incident.
The unverified post claimed that the firing on people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar was carried out by Ladi Bhalwan and Nirvair Singh.
The post had said the firing was carried out in an act of "protest" against these migrant workers who "spoil" the atmosphere of Punjab. It also warned of more violence if migrant workers were not driven out of villages and towns.
The post had also sought to justify the attack by referring to past crimes involving migrant workers. It warned sarpanches and panchayat members who allegedly arrange Aadhaar cards for the migrant workers, and allow them to stay for the sake of votes.
Following the February 10 incident, Opposition parties attacked the AAP government, asking the Bhagwant Mann dispensation to wake up from its "slumber" to act against those trying to create divisions in society.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Energia opens Corporate Service Center in Mangaluru, eyes future renewable projects in India
Mangaluru: Energia on Sunday inaugurated its Corporate Service Center in Mangaluru, marking a step towards strengthening its global corporate operations and expanding its presence in India.
The new office was inaugurated in the presence of U. T. Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, along with members of Mangaluru’s business and community circles.
The ceremony was led by Shahid Hassan, CEO of Energia, along with Mohin Sheikh, Managing Director, Rajan Mengoth, Operations Director, and Mehboob, Chairman of Energia. Senior officials and team members of the company were also present.
The Mangaluru Corporate Service Center will function as a dedicated support office for Energia’s operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The company said the centre will help improve coordination, strengthen back-end support and enhance governance across key corporate functions. It is expected to improve service delivery through structured processes and better operational control.
Energia stated that the new centre will create employment opportunities in Mangaluru, particularly in corporate services and support roles. The company also plans to introduce structured career pathways and skill development programmes for professionals in the region.
While the immediate focus of the centre will be to support overseas operations, Energia said it intends to deepen its long-term engagement in India. The company indicated that it is exploring opportunities in the renewable energy sector in line with India’s expanding clean energy landscape. The Mangaluru office is expected to act as a base for future partnerships and renewable initiatives in the country.
“This Corporate Service Center reflects Energia’s long-term commitment to building strong capability and governance. Mangalore gives us access to high-quality talent, and this office will play a critical role in supporting our Saudi operations while also helping us prepare for future renewable initiatives in India,” said Shahid Hassan, CEO of Energia.
Among those present at the event were Chairman of State Allied and Health Care Council UT Iftikhar Ali, President of New Jumma Masjid Sharif Whitestone, Founder of Team B-Human Asif Deal, Dr Haroon Hussain and others.
Energia is an energy solutions company with operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a growing presence in other markets. The company provides integrated energy solutions across sectors with a focus on reliability and long-term value creation.
