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Political row over sword attack on Punjab Shiv Sena leader

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New Delhi:

The brutal attack by Nihang Sikhs on Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader Sandeep Thapar in Ludhiana has become a political flashpoint. The attack, captured on video footage, took place near the Civil Hospital, where Thapar sustained serious injuries after repeated sword blows.

Thapar, known for his vocal anti-Khalistan stance, was returning from a Samvedna Trust event when the attackers, dressed in traditional Nihang attire, intercepted him. The video footage shows Thapar riding a scooter with his security personnel as the attackers surrounded him. Despite his attempts to talk sense into them, the situation quickly escalated into violence. With folded hands, Thapar pleaded for mercy but the attackers mercilessly beat him on the head, after which he collapsed. Even on the ground, he was subjected to further attacks, rendering his condition critical.

Thapar’s shooter left the scene without retaliation.

Eyewitnesses immediately took Thapar to Civil Hospital, from where he was shifted to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital for further treatment. Hospital sources said he sustained severe injuries on his head, arms and legs, which required urgent medical attention.

Ludhiana police have registered a case of attempt to murder against the unidentified assailants. Two suspects, identified as Sarabjit Singh and Harjot Singh, were arrested from Fatehgarh Sahib district while a third, Tehal Singh, is still absconding.

Responding to the escalating tensions, politicians from all quarters have condemned the attack and accused the Punjab government of failing to maintain law and order. Opposition leaders, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur and BJP Punjab chief Sunil Jakhar, demanded immediate action and accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, who unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from Ludhiana, said: “Such a brutal attack on an individual in full view of the public is reprehensible. It has created panic among the residents.”

Talking about the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the state, he said, “Administration is lacking in Punjab. They have made a mockery of law and order. Officials are busy pleasing AAP leaders instead of doing their job.”

Congress leader Partap Bajwa also condemned the incident and attacked Mr Mann over the current law and order situation in the state.

“After endless sacrifices, peace has returned in Punjab, no one should be allowed to spoil the atmosphere of the state. In Punjab, people of all religions live together in love and brotherhood,” he said in a post on X.

“There are external forces at play who want to disturb the peace in Punjab again for political reasons. Mr. Chief Minister of Punjab, stop your theatrics and focus on law and order in the state. As Home Minister, you are responsible,” Mr. Bajwa said.

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