‘Move this terrorist vehicle’: Srinagar-bound bus attacked in Haryana, two arrested

New Delhi: A stone and brick attack on a Srinagar-bound private bus in Haryana’s Karnal district left an elderly passenger injured and several windows shattered on Saturday night. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sought action, while police said a parking dispute triggered the attack.

The incident occurred around 10.30 pm on October 17 at Divine Star Dhaba in Nilokheri, near Butana. The Delhi-Srinagar sleeper bus had stopped for dinner. It later resumed its journey towards Jammu and Kashmir.

Driver alleges threats

Driver Waqar alleged that men near a parked Baleno objected to the bus’s presence because it carried a Jammu and Kashmir registration number. He said someone shouted, “Atankwadi gaadi nikal yahan se (Move this terrorist vehicle from here)”, and demanded that he leave.

Waqar alleged that the men smashed the front windshield, damaged the number plates and assaulted him after he questioned them. He claimed others joined the attack and threatened to shoot the occupants, burn the bus and kill them.

Omar seeks action

National Conference leader Imran Nabi Dar called the incident an “alleged hate crime” against Kashmiri passengers. He said the bus carried Kashmiri families and that the attack left passengers “helpless and terrified”. Responding to Dar’s post on X, Abdullah urged Haryana authorities to act.

“This unfortunate incident should never have taken place. I hope the Haryana government led by Nayab Saini and Haryana Police catch the culprits and take action to ensure these things don’t happen again,” Abdullah wrote.

Police cite dispute

Butana SHO Vipin Kumar and the investigating officer told reporters that a passenger argued with two youths over parking and giving way.

Police identified the youths as Mohit and Sawan of Yunispura village. They said all three had consumed alcohol before the argument escalated. The youths allegedly threw nearby stones and bricks at the bus. Broken glass caused a minor injury to an elderly passenger.

No complaint filed

Police said neither side had filed a formal complaint. However, officers took suo motu cognisance and contacted bus passengers to seek a complaint. Officials said the two sides reached a compromise, with the youths agreeing to pay for the damage. They also promised strict action against those responsible.

“This was not a religion-related matter. We appeal for peace,” police officials said.