Punjab Governor inquires about health of Shiv Sena leader attacked in Ludhiana

He also spoke to Ludhiana Police Commissioner Kuldip Singh Chahal and Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney and assured that he had come to the city to collect first-hand information about the incident.

The governor asked Chahal to personally oversee the investigation.

Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader Thapar was seriously injured when he was attacked by three assailants with swords in front of the public here on Friday.

“As far as his treatment is concerned, he is receiving the best possible treatment,” Purohit said, adding that the Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader was lucky to have survived the murderous attack.

He suffered head injuries, but “fortunately his brain and skull remained intact, which saved his life,” Purohit told reporters.

Thapar also has fractures in his hands, he said. “He will not be disabled and will be able to work normally.”

Purohit said investigations were being conducted to ascertain the motive of the perpetrators. “No culprit will be spared, whoever he may be,” he assured.

He said some senior police officials should oversee the investigation to ensure there are no loopholes in the findings.

Purohit further said that he would also monitor this case.

The governor said that when someone is offered security, they are guaranteed full protection. “But here there was a total failure of security.” In response to a question, the governor said that such isolated cases are occurring in the state and this is a cause for concern.

But the people of Punjab will not allow such elements to succeed in their plans to disrupt brotherhood and peace in the state, he added.

Purported video footage of Friday’s incident shows the attackers, disguised as Nihangs, approaching Thapar as he was riding a scooter with his security personnel sitting pillion.

While Thapar was talking to the attackers with folded hands, one of them suddenly attacked him with a sword as passersby watched. Another attacker appears to push Thapar’s security guard away.

After Thapar fell to the ground, the third attacker also started hitting him with a sword. Later, two of the accused fled on Thapar’s scooter, leaving him in a pool of blood.

Two of the three attackers were arrested. Police have also suspended Thapar’s security guard.

Thapar (58) was attacked as he was leaving the Samvedna Trust office near Civil Hospital after attending a ceremony to mark the fourth death anniversary of the trust’s founder and president Ravinder Arora.

On Saturday, BJP Punjab chief Sunil Jakhar attacked the AAP government, blaming the alleged incompetence of the Bhagwant Mann government for the “deteriorating” law and order situation in the state. PTI COR CHS KVK KVK

This report is auto-generated by PTI News Service. ThePrint takes no responsibility for its content.

Read full report