Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader Sandeep Thapar, also known as Gora, was attacked with swords by three assailants near the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana. Thapar sustained severe head injuries and was taken to the Civil Hospital. Later, he was shifted to DMC and he is in a critical condition.
Passers-by captured the brutal attack on video. In the purported video, the assailants dressed as Nihangs approached Thapar while he was on a scooter with his security man riding pillion.
Thapar, known for his vocal stance against Khalistan and terrorism in Punjab, had spoken out against the farmers’ agitation in the state.
Late in the evening, the Punjab Police have apprehended the two people from Fatehgarh Sahib. They have been identified as Sarabjit Singh and Harjot Singh. Third accused is still at large. The motive behind the attack is being investigated. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against them under sections BNS 2023 – 109, 3(5), 115(2), 304, and 132.
Despite being accompanied by a gunman, Thapar received no immediate protection during the assault. The gunman claimed that the assailants had overpowered him and attempted to snatch his weapon, preventing him from intervening.
In the aftermath of the attack, a large number of Hindu leaders gathered at DMC hospital, voicing their outrage against Ludhiana Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal for allegedly failing to protect Thapar, who they claimed had been under constant threat. They criticized the police for providing only a single gunman for his security.
DCP Jaskiranjit Singh Teja said an attempt to murder case had been registered against unknown assailants and that police teams were actively searching the assailants. When questioned about the gunman’s inaction, the DCP said that the matter would be investigated and any negligence would be addressed by the department.
Thapar was attacked when he came out of the office of the Samvedna Trust near the Civil Hospital after attending a ceremony to mark the fourth death anniversary of the trust’s founder-president Ravinder Arora, police said.
The Samvedna Trust provides free ambulance service to patients and hearse vehicles.
While Thapar was speaking to the assailants with folded hands, one of them suddenly attacked him with a sword while passersby looked on. Another assailant appears to be pushing Tharpar’s securityman away.
After Thapar fell down, a third assailant also started hitting Thapar with a sword. Later, two of the accused fled on Thapar’s scooter.
Nihangs belong to a warrior Sikh sect whose members are usually seen in blue robes, carrying traditional weapons.
Thapar who suffered head injuries was immediately rushed to the Civil Hospital. Later, he was referred to a private hospital where his condition was stated to be serious, police said.
The BJP condemned the attack and demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Punjab BJP general secretary Anil Sareen said Mann is not only the chief minister of the state but also holds the home portfolio.
Ever since the AAP has come to power in Punjab, the law and order situation in the state has gone from bad to worse, he alleged.
“There is a substantial increase in murder and robbery cases and activities of gangsters. As a result, a feeling of insecurity has developed among the people,” the BJP leader claimed.
Sareen said the Punjab government has proved to be an “utter failure” on the law and order front.