Market panic in Tarn Taran as ransom gang fires at medical store
Baljit Singh
Tarn Taran (Punjab), January 4, 2026: Panic gripped Tarn Taran city after armed miscreants opened indiscriminate fire at a medical store on Sarhali Road late Saturday evening, allegedly to terrorise the owner following a ransom demand of ₹10 lakh.
Biru Ram, owner of Suraj Medical Store, told police that he had received a threatening call two days earlier from a foreign WhatsApp number.
The caller identified himself as Prabh (Prabh Dasuwal) and demanded ₹10 lakh as ransom. When the shopkeeper did not take the threat seriously, the attackers allegedly carried out the firing to intimidate him.
According to eyewitnesses and the victim, three masked youths arrived on a motorcycle around 7:30 pm and fired at least five rounds at the shop before fleeing the scene. While two bullets missed the target, three struck the shop’s shutter and signboard. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Moments after the firing, the shopkeeper received another call from a foreign number. The caller reportedly warned, “You ignored me. This was just a trailer—the film is still to be released,” intensifying fear among the victim’s family and local traders.
The incident has triggered widespread panic in the market area, with shopkeepers expressing concern over rising extortion threats. Police reached the spot soon after the incident and have launched an investigation. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined, and efforts are underway to trace the callers and identify the shooters.
Security has been tightened in the area as residents demand swift action against those behind the attack.