SECOND ATTACK ON KASHMIR-BOUND BUS RAISES ALARM AS STONE-THROWING DAMAGES VEHICLE IN LUDHIANA

October 19, 2026

LUDHIANA, OCTOBER 19: A bus travelling from Delhi to Srinagar was targeted with stones near Doraha in Punjab’s Ludhiana district on Sunday night, prompting police to register a case against unidentified persons and escort the vehicle through the area as a precaution.

The incident occurred around 11.15 pm near a private hospital in Doraha. A stone struck the bus’s front windshield, while another hit an emergency-exit window, leaving the glass damaged and triggering panic among passengers. No injuries were reported.

The bus, which had departed Delhi at approximately 4 pm, was carrying around 40 passengers, including students, businesspeople and professionals. Passengers said they were frightened by the sudden attack and initially reluctant to continue their journey without police protection.

Khanna police responded after receiving information through the 112 emergency helpline. Officers recorded the driver’s statement and registered a first information report. Police subsequently escorted the bus through their jurisdiction to help ensure its safe onward journey to Srinagar.

The incident has raised particular concern because the same bus operator’s vehicle had reportedly been attacked with bricks following a parking dispute near Karnal in Haryana. Investigators are examining whether the two incidents are connected or whether the latest attack arose from rivalry among private transport operators or another motive.

A digital and technical team has been formed to identify those responsible, while police are coordinating with their Haryana counterparts. Authorities have also alerted police stations along the route.

The investigation remains underway, and the connection between the two attacks has not yet been established. The immediate priority is to identify the perpetrators and ensure the safety of passengers travelling along the route.