Shiv Sena (Punjab) Leader Sandeep Thapar Survives Sword Attack By Nihang Sikhs In Ludhiana, 2 Arrested

Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader Sandeep Thapar was attacked by three Nihang Sikhs in Ludhiana. The attackers used swords and snatched the revolver of Thapar's gunman.

Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader Sandeep Thapar was attacked by three Nihang Sikhs on Friday afternoon outside the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana. Thapar, a descendant of prominent leader Sukhdev Thapar, was ambushed with swords in the middle of the street. The attackers also seized the revolver of Thapar's accompanying gunman before fleeing the scene on his scooter, according to ABP Sanjha.

The assailants escaped following the attack, leaving Thapar in a critical condition. He was initially taken to the Civil Hospital but was later referred to CMC Hospital due to the severity of his injuries. The attack has sparked outrage among Hindu leaders, who blocked the road in protest, prompting the deployment of police forces to manage the situation, ABP Sanjha reported.

Sandeep Thapar's Attackers Identified, 2 Arrested: Ludhiana Police

Ludhiana police commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal informed that two of the three assailants involved have been arrested.

"Three people were involved in the incident. Out of them, two have been arrested. We will be able to reveal the details after further investigation," he said, as per news agency PTI.

The arrested accused are identified as Sarabjit Singh and Harjot Singh and are residents of Ludhiana.

 Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Fatehgarh Sahib Ravjot Grewal told news agency ANI, "We had got instructions from DGP, CP Ludhiana and an alert was issued in the entire area...The two accused who were wanted, were arrested near the university area...A Scotty was recovered...An Alert has been issued to arrest the third accused as well. Both the arrested accused- Sarabjit Singh and Harjot Singh are residents of Ludhiana. They have been handed over to Ludhiana Police..."

Earlier in the day, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskaran Singh Teja visited Thapar at the hospital and confirmed that a case had been registered under Section 307 (attempt to murder) against the assailants. "Around 11:30 am, three unknown persons attacked Sandeep Thapar with a sword. He got injured and is under treatment in the hospital. Doctors have said he is out of danger. A case has been registered under Section 307 of attempt to murder. We have identified the attackers... Naka bandi (checkpoints) have been established across the city, and we are confident of apprehending the culprits soon," he stated.

Recounting the incident, injured Sandeep Thapar revealed, "I was returning home with my gunman after attending a religious event when three Nihangs approached me near the Civil Hospital and started abusing me. They then attacked me with swords and snatched my gunman's revolver."

Thapar also mentioned that he had received multiple death threats from unknown individuals over the phone. "I informed the police several times, but they did not take the matter seriously, and now this attack has happened," he lamented.

The incident has led to significant unrest, with Hindu leaders staging a roadblock and protesting against the police. Shiv Sena leaders Bhanu Pratap and Amit Koundal, who were present at the scene, expressed their anger. "Sandeep Thapar has been receiving constant death threats, and despite being aware of this, the police have failed to act. Lawlessness has spread in Ludhiana, and the police have proven ineffective in curbing it," Pratap said.

Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal Slam Punjab Govt Law And Order

Following the incident, the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government over the law and order situation in the state.

Punjab Congress President and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring remarked, "I strongly condemn the murderous attack on Shiv Sena leader Sandeep Thapar Gora, and appeal to the Ludhiana Police Chief to arrest the culprits. The Punjab government has completely failed in maintaining peace and harmony in Punjab, and the morale of mischievous elements is at a high."

Sharing a video of the incident, SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal condemned what she described as "total collapse" in the law and order situation in Punjab.

"Just received a report of an extremely disturbing incident in Ludhiana where a person was attacked with swords despite being accompanied by a security personnel. The manner in which such violent attacks are being conducted in broad day light in busy areas indicates a total collapse in the law and order situation in Punjab. CM @BhagwantMann  shud be wake up from his slumber and take corrective measures immediately," she wrote.