BJP leader Laxmi Kanta Chawla has strongly criticized the attack on Punjab Shiv Sena Leader Sandeep Thapar, urging authorities not to associate the incident with any religious community.
“I came from Amritsar to meet him (Punjab Shiv Sena Leader Sandeep Thapar)… Government should clarify whether the attackers were Nihangs or criminals dressed as Nihangs… Such an assault on a busy road is completely unjustifiable… This incident should not be linked to Hindus or Sikhs,” stated the BJP leader.
According to the police, three individuals assaulted Punjab Shiv Sena leader Sandeep Thapar with a sword in Ludhiana on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ludhiana reported, “Around 11:30 am, three unidentified persons attacked Sandeep Thapar with a sword. He sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital. The suspects have been identified and will soon be apprehended.”
Following the incident, the police issued an alert across the region and apprehended two suspects, Sarabjit Singh and Harjot Singh, in connection with the attack.
“We have arrested two suspects, Sarabjit Singh and Harjot Singh. Another suspect, Tahal Singh, is still at large. Further investigation is ongoing,” said CP Police Ludhiana, Kuldeep Singh Chahal.
Reacting to the incident, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar expressed concern over what he termed a deteriorating law and order situation, blaming Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s governance approach for a surge in violence and hate crimes in Punjab.
“While the Chief Minister is focused on a by-poll in Jalandhar, criminals are freely committing heinous acts and threatening lives,” Jakhar asserted.
