Bus Attack in Haryana Sparks Political Exchange and Police Investigation

NEW DELHI — A private passenger bus traveling from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir was attacked in Karnal, Haryana, leaving an elderly passenger seriously injured and sparking a high-level political exchange between the two states.

The incident occurred near the Divine Star Hotel in Nilokheri, Karnal. According to bus driver Waqar, the confrontation began following a dispute over parking involving the occupants of a Haryana-registered Baleno car.

The accounts of the altercation differ regarding the primary motive. Driver Waqar alleged that the attackers objected to a Jammu and Kashmir-registered bus parking in Haryana, shouted abuse calling them terrorists, and demanded they leave the area. Waqar further stated that the assailants smashed the front windshield and other glass windows, while threatening to shoot the occupants and set the vehicle on fire.

In contrast, the Bhutana police station incharge stated that the violent exchange stemmed directly from an alcohol-fueled dispute over parking. Police said that a bus passenger named Saeed Arfak and local car occupants Mohit and Sawan were intoxicated at the time, leading to a physical fight and the use of bricks that resulted in the damage to the bus.

The assault drew a sharp reaction from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who expressed anger over the attack on social media and announced that the J&K administration stands firmly with the affected passengers.

Following the incident, Abdullah spoke directly with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to demand accountability. According to officials, the Haryana administration has assured that strict legal action will be taken in the matter.