Chandigarh's Dark Side: Brutal Murders Plague City Beautiful

Chandigarh, often lauded as a model of planned urban development, is grappling with a surge in violent crime. The early months of 2026 have been marked by a disturbing spate of murders, shattering the city's tranquil image. In January and February alone, seven brutal killings were reported, plunging residents into fear.

The victims were subjected to fatal violence, with methods including stabbing and bludgeoning. These horrific acts occurred in diverse locations, from public parks and hotels to private residences and roadsides, underscoring a pervasive sense of insecurity. The cases spanned various sectors and areas, including Sector 38, Daria village, Sector 36, Sector 40, Hallomajra, and Maloya.

Among the incidents, a 21-year-old was fatally stabbed on January 17, followed by another murder on January 22 where a man was bludgeoned to death in a park. A 35-year-old auto driver was stabbed on January 29, and a cab driver was found murdered on February 6 after being abducted. A particularly gruesome murder on February 21 involved a woman stabbed and bludgeoned by her neighbor, and another woman was fatally stabbed on February 22 by a spurned lover. Gunshots were also reported in sectors 32 and 21.

While police have reported arrests in connection with most of these cases, citing motives ranging from long-standing feuds to attempted rape and rejected proposals, the frequency of violence has left citizens uneasy. The data for previous years also indicates a worrying trend, with 26 stabbing deaths in 2025 compared to 22 in 2024. Police have intensified checks and patrols, particularly in villages and rehabilitation colonies, to curb the rising knife-related crime.