A late-night quarrel between two motorists in Aizawl’s Bawngkawn area escalated into a shocking act of violence on Friday night, leaving a 21-year-old man with a gunshot injury. Police have since arrested the accused, who now faces an attempted murder charge. According to the Bawngkawn Police Station, the incident occurred around 9:40 pm near the busy Bawngkawn junction, when two vehicles nearly collided. What began as a heated argument quickly spiralled out of control. In a sudden escalation, 44-year-old Rochhingpuia, son of Haitinsanga of Bawngkawn Shalom Veng and originally from Champhai Kanan Veng, allegedly pulled out a .32 calibre Victor USA-made pistol and fired at the other motorist, identified as Lalhriatrenga Siakeng, son of Lalrawngbawla of Zotlang. The bullet struck Lalhriatrenga in the chest.
Eyewitnesses rushed the injured youth to Greenwood Hospital, where doctors confirmed that his condition is stable, though he remains under close medical supervision. Hospital authorities said timely intervention prevented the injury from becoming life-threatening. Police teams immediately launched a manhunt and arrested Rochhingpuia shortly after the incident. A case under attempt to murder has been registered, and the weapon used in the crime has been seized. The accused was produced before a local court on Saturday and has been remanded to Central Jail.
The incident has sparked anger and concern in the locality, with residents and community leaders strongly condemning the act. The Zotlang branch of the Young Mizo Association (YMA), along with the local council, issued a statement denouncing the attack and extending solidarity to the victim’s father, Lalrawngbawla, and his family. “Such reckless and violent behaviour has no place in our society,” the YMA said, calling for strict enforcement of law to prevent similar incidents in the future.
