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In a shocking turn of events on Friday afternoon, Ludhiana witnessed a brazen sword attack on a prominent leader of Shiv Sena (Punjab) Sandeep Thapar, known as Gora. The assailants, dressed as Nihang Sikhs, ambushed Thapar on Old Jail Road, leaving him critically injured and sparking widespread outrage and fear in the region.
In response to the brazen assault, Ludhiana Police, under the leadership of SP Ravjot Grewal, acted swiftly, apprehending two suspects near the University area. A third suspect remains at large, prompting an intensive manhunt.
Thapar had been returning from a memorial service for a local BJP leader when the attack occurred. Accompanied by a police gunman, Thapar was riding his scooter when three assailants swiftly surrounded him. Despite the presence of his security detail, the attackers disarmed Thapar’s gunman and launched a vicious assault, leaving him severely wounded before fleeing the scene.
In response to the alarming incident, Ludhiana Police, led by SP Ravjot Grewal, acted promptly, apprehending two suspects near the University area. However, a third suspect remains at large, prompting an intensive manhunt across the city.
Police Commissioner Kuldeep Chahal confirmed the arrests, revealing that one of the detained suspects is associated with Baba Buddha Dal, a prominent religious group. Background checks and further investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack and any potential accomplices, he added.
The attack on Thapar has elicited strong condemnation and protests from local Hindu leaders, who have demanded swift justice and enhanced security measures for public figures in Ludhiana. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring condemned the violence, urging law enforcement authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly.
AAP MLA from Ludhiana West Gurpreet Gogi also expressed grave concern over the incident, vowing to raise the issue with the Police Commissioner to secure enhanced security protocols for public figures.
Meanwhile, stringent security measures have been implemented across Ludhiana to prevent any further disturbances or acts of violence.
Following the attack, the assailants, identified as Nihang Sikhs, posted a video on the social media justifying their actions, claiming that they acted in defense of their faith and martyrs. They reiterated their stance against anyone perceived as speaking against their community or martyrs, underscoring the underlying tensions and ideological divisions within the region.
In response to public concern, District Commissioner Jaspreet Singh Teja visited Thapar at the hospital, reassuring the community of stringent legal actions against the attackers and reinforcing the commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens. Teja denounced the attack as an affront to public safety and reiterated the administration's resolve to maintain law and order in Ludhiana.
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. In such circumstances, the chief minister should take moral responsibility for such incidents and quit, he said.
