Rajkot: In yet another violent incident highlighting the growing lawlessness in the city, an indiscriminate firing took place late Tuesday night between two rival groups — the Penda gang of Punitnagar and the Murgha gang of Jungleshwar — on Mangala Road. The firing, which continued for several minutes, left residents in panic. Police recovered around half a dozen used cartridges from the scene and detained three suspects for interrogation.

According to police sources, the confrontation occurred near Pragati Hospital, where Javedbhai, husband of a former bootlegger from Jungleshwar, had been admitted. His relatives, including his son Sanjay and grandson Sameer alias Murgha, were present outside the hospital when members of the Penda gang, including Shakti alias Penda, Motiyo Jhala, and Bhaylo Gadhvi, allegedly arrived and opened fire. The rival group retaliated before the assailants fled the scene.

Following the incident, a convoy led by Crime DCP Jagdish Bangarwa and senior officers reached the spot. An FIR has been lodged against more than 11 people under relevant sections of the IPC and Arms Act.

Police Crack Down After Spike in Violent Crimes

The incident adds to Rajkot’s growing list of violent crimes this festive season. The city, often known for its vibrant culture, has witnessed six murders in just six days, shaking public confidence in law enforcement. From family feuds to street fights, violence has escalated alarmingly in recent weeks.

In response, Police Commissioner Vajesh Kumar Jha has called a crime review conference with all senior officers, DCPs, ACPs, and inspectors to plan a crackdown on offenders. Police are expected to intensify checking of vehicles for illegal weapons, tinted windows, and numberless bikes. Strict action has also been directed against those moving around intoxicated or creating public disturbances.

Longstanding Rivalry Behind the Shootout

Investigations suggest that the enmity between the two gangs dates back to a clash during Makar Sankranti near Gokuldham Awas. On that day, a dispute broke out when a member of the Penda gang allegedly misbehaved with a woman known to Sohel Chania of Jungleshwar, an associate of the Murgha gang. The altercation soon turned violent, planting the seeds of ongoing rivalry between the two groups.

Criminal Backgrounds of the Accused

Both gangs are known to police for a series of past crimes. Sameer alias Murgha and his family members have multiple cases registered against them, including bootlegging, assault, and firing. His sister Rama and other relatives are also named in cases related to liquor and gambling.

Shaktisinh alias Penda Zala, on the other hand, has a long criminal record including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and attacks on police personnel. In 2017, he was involved in a case where two men, including himself, died in police custody during investigation into the murder of a constable.

City’s Law and Order Under Scrutiny

The latest shootout underscores the deteriorating law and order situation in Rajkot. Frequent murders, robberies, and public shootings have earned the city the unwelcome label of a “crime capital” of Saurashtra. With the police commissionerate now stepping up operations and surveillance, authorities say a renewed focus will be placed on gang control and street-level policing to prevent further incidents.