Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit has taken decisive action in response to the brutal sword attack on Sandeep Thapar, a prominent leader of Shiv Sena (Punjab), directing Ludhiana Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal to personally supervise the investigation. The incident, which occurred in Ludhiana, has shaken the State, prompting swift measures to ensure justice and enhance security protocols.
Governor Purohit's visit to Ludhiana on Sunday was marked by his visit to the Circuit House, where he met with medical professionals attending to Thapar at a private hospital. Thapar, aged 58, suffered severe injuries when assailants, disguised as Nihangs, ambushed him while he was riding a scooter accompanied by security personnel.
CCTV footage captured the assailants approaching Thapar, engaging in a brief conversation, and subsequently attacking him with swords before fleeing the scene on his scooter. The brazen nature of the attack has underscored concerns about the security of public figures in Punjab.
During his visit, Purohit engaged in discussions with Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney and Police Commissioner Chahal to gain firsthand insights into the incident.
Expressing deep concern over the security lapse that allowed such an audacious assault to occur in broad daylight, Purohit emphasized the need for a meticulous investigation to ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice swiftly.
In his interactions with the media, Governor Purohit reiterated the state’s commitment to maintaining law and order, condemning the violence and expressing solidarity with Thapar's family. He assured the public that Thapar is receiving the best possible medical care, noting that while he sustained serious head injuries, his brain and skull remain intact, minimizing potential life-threatening consequences.
Purohit also highlighted that Thapar had suffered fractures in his hands but reassured that medical experts expect a full recovery without permanent disability.
The attack on Thapar occurred shortly after he attended a ceremony at the Samvedna Trust office near Civil Hospital, marking the fourth death anniversary of the trust's founder-president, Ravinder Arora.
Unfolded in broad daylight, the brutal attack was captured vividly by CCTV cameras. In the footage, Thapar is seen approaching the assailants with folded hands, only to be viciously assaulted moments later. One attacker swiftly brandished a sword, while another forcibly pushed aside Thapar's security personnel.
As Thapar collapsed, a third assailant delivered another blow with a sword before the attackers fled the scene on Thapar's own scooter, leaving him grievously wounded and surrounded by bystanders. Prompt police action led to the apprehension of two out of the three assailants, with investigations ongoing to uncover the full circumstances behind the shocking incident.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stringent measures to safeguard public figures in the state. Political reactions to the incident have been sharp, with Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government for what he described as its failure to maintain adequate law and order.
Governor Banwarilal Purohit's visit to Ludhiana and subsequent statements underscore the gravity of the attack. He emphasized the urgent need for thorough investigation to ensure justice for Thapar and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved. The visit also highlighted concerns over public safety and the security of public figures in Punjab, prompting heightened scrutiny and review of security protocols across the state.