In a disturbing event that unfolded on a bustling street of Ludhiana, Sandeep Thapar, also known as Gora, a 58-year-old leader of Shiv Sena Punjab, was severely attacked. This incident occurred just one week after his security was diminished. The attack was carried out by four unidentified Nihang Sikhs, outside the Ludhiana civil hospital on Friday afternoon while Thapar was on his scooter.

The attack on Sandeep Thapar, a descendant of the martyr Sukhdev Thapar, followed shortly after he delivered a speech in a local area. Earlier that day, Thapar, accompanied by his gunman, was present at the death anniversary ceremony of Ravinder Arora, who was the president of Samvedna Trust. This trust is instrumental in running the Civil Hospital.

The assault took place right after Thapar exited the hospital, having paid his respects. It was then that the two young men, attired as Nihang Sikhs, launched a violent attack using sharp weapons and swords, all of which took place in the presence of his gunman.

Captured vividly on CCTV, the footage reveals that the assailants followed Thapar as he left the hospital premises, with his gunman seated behind him on the scooter. The footage further displays how the attackers intercepted his scooter on the busy road and began to strike him with swords. During this brutal attack, Thapar's gunman appeared helpless and did not intervene, acting merely as a silent observer.

As the confrontation escalated on the busy streets of Ludhiana, Sandeep Thapar, with his hands folded, desperately begged for mercy. Despite his pleas, one of the attackers brutally struck him on the head with a sword. This intense assault caused the Shiv Sena Punjab leader to lose his balance, tumbling onto the road with his scooter as another assailant continued the sword attack. The scene unfolded to the astonishment of passing commuters, who watched in horror. Meanwhile, the first attacker swiftly picked up the scooter and fled the scene with his accomplice.

Throughout this ordeal, Thapar's lone gunman did nothing more than walk to the roadside, where he stood passively, making no effort to defend Thapar or pursue the attackers.

This violent episode occurred shortly after Thapar departed from the office of Samvedna Trust, a nearby NGO, where he had been commemorating the fourth death anniversary of the trust's founder-president, Ravinder Arora, as confirmed by the police.

The gravity of Thapar's injuries prompted eyewitnesses to rush him to the civil hospital. Given the severity of his condition, he was quickly referred to the local Dayanand Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.

In response to this heinous act, Deputy Commissioner of Police Jaskiranjit Singh Teja announced that an attempt to murder case has been registered. The police are actively searching for the unidentified assailants involved in this attack.

Shiv Sena Punjab Leaders Protest Withdrawal of Security

In the aftermath of the harrowing attack on Sandeep Thapar, leaders of Shiv Sena Punjab quickly rallied outside the civil hospital, voicing their discontent loudly. They criticized the actions of the Punjab government and the police, chanting slogans that echoed their dissatisfaction and concern.

Sumit Arora, the youth wing president of Shiv Sena Punjab, highlighted a critical issue regarding the security arrangements for Thapar. "Thapar had been provided three gunmen but the police withdrew his security cover a week ago," Arora stated, revealing a significant reduction in protective measures. He also noted that although one gunman's services were later restored, it was inadequate. Arora expressed his frustration, alleging that the gunman's lack of action facilitated the attackers' easy escape.

Adding to the protest, Rajiv Tandon, the chairman of Shiv Sena Punjab, criticized the overall approach of the authorities towards the safety of Hindu organization leaders. “They have proved this by withdrawing the security cover of our leaders,” he declared, pointing out what he sees as a pattern of negligence.

Amidst these strong accusations and protests, the police confirmed their ongoing efforts to address the violent incident. They reiterated that an attempt to murder case has been registered and that the search continues for the unidentified attackers who targeted Thapar.

In a recent interview with India Today, Joint Commissioner of Police Tejwant Singh Teja provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the attack on Sandeep Thapar. "We have identified three persons. The suspects are yet to be arrested. A case has been registered under relevant sections. We have ensured the outfits that the police are on the job, so we urge them not to give a bandh call. We have met the victim, and he is safe," Teja said, affirming the police's commitment to resolving the case and maintaining public order.

The incident has also drawn sharp criticism from political leaders concerning the state's security management. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and former Union Minister, condemned the Punjab government's handling of the situation. Speaking vehemently about the state's deteriorating public safety, Badal highlighted the severity of the issue. "The manner in which such violent attacks are being conducted in broad daylight in busy areas indicates a total collapse in the law and order situation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should wake up from his slumber and take corrective measures immediately," Badal stated, calling for urgent action from the Chief Minister to restore order and safety.

Bittu Targets AAP Govt for Making Mockery of Law and Order

Union Minister of State and recent Ludhiana BJP candidate in the Lok Sabha elections, Ravneet Singh Bittu, criticized the security situation following the attack. "Such a brutal attack on an individual in full public view is condemnable. It has created panic among residents," he remarked, stressing the community's growing concerns over safety.

Bittu accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of failing in their administrative duties. "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," he claimed, expressing discontent with the current governance and its impact on public safety.

#BREAKING: Punjab Police arrest two Nihangs who made a murderous attack on Hindu Activist Sandeep Thapar in Ludhiana of Punjab earlier today. Sections 109, 3 (5), 115 (2), 304 & 132 slapped against the criminals. Sandeep Thapar’s condition believed to be stable now in hospital. https://t.co/LBtmoT90lz pic.twitter.com/Bz61h2c2cK — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 5, 2024

Two Arrested for Sword Attack on Punjab Shiv Sena Leader in Ludhiana

In a related development, police actions brought some resolution as two individuals were apprehended following the assault on Sandeep Thapar. The incident, which involved attackers dressed as Nihang Sikhs, occurred on Ludhiana's busy Old Jail Road, critically injuring the Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader.

Providing details about the attack, Shiv Sena (Punjab) chief Rajiv Tandon said, "Thapar was returning after attending the death anniversary program of a local BJP leader when a group of Nihangs surrounded his two-wheeler and attacked him with swords." Following the assault, Thapar was quickly taken to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in a serious condition, highlighting the severity of the attack and the urgent response required to save his life.

Rajiv Tandon, chief of Shiv Sena (Punjab), voiced serious allegations against the Punjab Police concerning the security arrangements for Sandeep Thapar. "Earlier, he was given two gunmen and later both were withdrawn. Recently, he was again given one gunman who was accompanying him today but the accused had come with full preparation," Tandon explained, suggesting that the attack was well-planned and the security provided was inadequate.

Further criticizing the police's priorities, Tandon expressed concerns about the safety of individuals who advocate for the welfare of Punjab and the country. "Those who peddle drugs and support gangsters are given security cover while those who talk against them are not treated like human beings. Their security is withdrawn despite the threat," he remarked, pointing out a disturbing disparity in how security resources are allocated.

#WarningGraphics #BREAKING#Hindu leader from Ludhiana #Punjab Sandeep Thapar aka Gora was brutally attacked with swords by four men dressed in Nihang attire. Thapar was riding his scooter on a busy road outside the Civil Hospital on Friday. pic.twitter.com/8diSPh7vGa — Sameer Kaushal 🇨🇦❤🇮🇳 (@itssamonline) July 5, 2024

The attack was captured on a CCTV camera, which provided a clear account of the ordeal. The one-minute-fourteen-second footage showed Thapar riding a two-wheeler with a Punjab policeman on a road crowded with commuters. The video revealed how three men, dressed as Nihang Sikhs and armed with swords and sticks, quickly surrounded his vehicle. Dramatically, one of the attackers forced the accompanying policeman to leave the scene. Amidst this chaos, Thapar is seen folding his hands in a pleading gesture while one attacker began to strike him with a sword and another was busy talking over the phone, underscoring the severity and boldness of the assault.

The assault on Sandeep Thapar ended with particularly brutal moments, captured on CCTV. As one attacker continuously struck him, a passerby attempted to intervene, but without any success. Thapar was then seen falling from his two-wheeler, only to be attacked by another 'Nihang'. In a swift sequence of events, the first attacker lifted Thapar’s vehicle, allowing the second man to hop on, and they quickly fled the scene, leaving Thapar severely injured in a pool of blood.

In response to the attack, Kuldeep Singh Chahal, the Police Commissioner of Ludhiana, confirmed that the identities of the three suspects had been established. “They will be arrested soon,” assured Chahal. He also noted that an FIR was being registered at Division Number 2 police station, emphasizing that the motive behind the attack would be clearer following the arrests.

Addressing the issue of the inadequate response during the attack, Chahal announced, “The on-duty gunman who was accompanying Thapar has been suspended for not taking timely action,” indicating that there would be repercussions for the failure to adequately protect Thapar during the incident.