Chandigarh, Aug. 1 -- From gangs running amok to students attacking each other over political rivalries on campus, Chandigarh has seen a sharp rise in rioting cases, recording 32 cases in just six months as against 38 during the whole year in 2024.

If the trend continues, 2025 could end with more than 60 rioting cases, nearly tripling 2023's figure of 23.

At eight, the maximum cases were witnessed in areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Sector-11 police station, which covers areas such as Khuda Alisher and Sector 25.

As per the police, these cases are a result of group violence, with already established gang members recruiting youngsters living in their neighbourhood. But what starts with the promise of 'safety in numbers' ends ...