News Brief
Shiv Sena Punjab Leader Attacked With Swords By 'Nihang Sikhs' In Ludhiana, BJP Slams AAP Government
Pic Via X
The brutal attack on Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader Sandeep Thapar by Nihang Sikhs in Ludhiana has ignited a political firestorm.
Captured on CCTV, the attack occurred near the Civil Hospital, leaving Thapar with severe injuries after being repeatedly struck with swords.
Thapar, a vocal critic of Khalistan, was returning from an event at the Samvedna Trust when the assailants, donned in traditional Nihang attire, intercepted him.
The footage reveals Thapar on a scooter with his security personnel when the attackers surrounded him.
Despite his attempts to pacify them, the confrontation quickly escalated.
Thapar, with folded hands, pleaded for mercy, but the attackers relentlessly struck his head, causing him to collapse.
Even as he lay on the ground, the assault continued, leaving him critically injured.
Thapar's gunman left the crime scene without any retaliation.
Onlookers immediately rushed Thapar to the Civil Hospital, from where he was later transferred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.
Thapar sustained severe injuries to his head, arms, and legs, necessitating urgent medical care.
Two suspects, identified as Sarabjit Singh and Harjot Singh, were apprehended in Fatehgarh Sahib district, while a third, Tehal Singh, remains at large, NDTV reported.
The scooter used in the attack was recovered during the arrests.
Political leaders from various parties have condemned the attack, criticising Punjab's AAP government for its failure to maintain law and order.
Opposition figures, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur, and BJP Punjab chief Sunil Jakhar, have demanded swift action and accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, who unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from Ludhiana, said: "Such a brutal attack on an individual in full public view is condemnable. It has created panic among residents."
Criticising the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, he added, "The administration is missing from Punjab. They have made a mockery of law and order. Officers are busy pleasing AAP leaders instead of doing their job."
Congress leader Partap Bajwa also condemned the incident and targeted Chief Minister Mann for the state's current law and order situation.
"Peace in Punjab returned after endless sacrifices, no one should be allowed to vitiate the atmosphere of the state. In Punjab people from all religions live together with love and brotherhood," he said in a post on X.
"There are external forces at play who want to disturb Punjab's peace once again for their political benefits. Punjab CM stop your theatrics and focus on the law and order of the state, being the Home Minister the buck stops at your door," said Bajwa.
