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The brutal attack on Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader Sandeep Thapar by Nihang Sikhs in Ludhiana has become a political flashpoint. The assault, captured on CCTV, occurred near the Civil Hospital, where Thapar sustained severe injuries after being repeatedly struck with swords.

Thapar, known for his vocal stance against Khalistan, was returning from an event at the Samvedna Trust when the attackers, dressed in traditional Nihang attire, intercepted him. The video footage shows Thapar on a scooter with his security personnel when the attackers surrounded him. Despite his attempts to reason with them, the situation quickly escalated into violence. With folded hands, Thapar pleaded for mercy, but the attackers mercilessly struck him on the head, causing him to collapse. Even on the ground, he was subjected to further assaults, leaving him in critical condition.

Thapar’s gunman left the crime scene without any retaliation.

Eyewitnesses immediately rushed Thapar to the Civil Hospital, from where he was later transferred to the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital for further treatment. Hospital sources indicate that he suffered severe injuries to his head, arms, and legs, requiring urgent medical intervention.

The Ludhiana Police have registered a case of attempted murder against the unidentified attackers. Two suspects, identified as Sarabjit Singh and Harjot Singh, were apprehended in Fatehgarh Sahib district, while a third, Tehal Singh, remains at large. The scooter used by the attackers was recovered during the arrests.

In response to the escalating tensions, political figures from across the spectrum have condemned the attack, with accusations levied against the Punjab government for failing to maintain law and order. Opposition leaders, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur, and BJP Punjab chief Sunil Jakhar, have called for immediate action and accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

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

Targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the state, he said, “The 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.”

Congress leader Partap Bajwa too condemned the incident and targeted Mr Mann for the current law and order situation in the state.

“Peace in Punjab returned after endless sacrifices, no one should be allowed to vitiate the atmosphere of the state. In Punjab people from all religions live together with love and brotherhood,” he said in a post on X.

“There are external forces at play who want to disturb Punjab’s peace once again for their political benefits. Punjab CM stop your theatrics and focus on the law and order of the state, being the Home Minister the buck stops at your door,” said Mr Bajwa.

Smriti Singh, the widow of Captain Anshuman Singh, stood before President Droupadi Murmu with folded hands. Alongside her stood Captain Singh’s mother, their shared grief palpable. Both of them were at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to accept the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award, awarded posthumously to Captain Singh for his bravery during a fire incident in Siachen. 

“He would tell me, ‘I would die with the brass on my chest. I would not die an ordinary death,'” Smriti Singh recalled.

“We met on the first day of college. I don’t want to be dramatic but it was love at first sight. After a month, he got selected into the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). We met at an engineering college but then he got selected in a medical college. Super intelligent guy. From then on, after just one month of meeting, it was a long-distance relationship for eight long years,” she added. “Then we decided to get married. Unfortunately, within two months of our marriage, he got posted in Siachen.”

Cpt #AnshumanSingh was awarded #KirtiChakra (posthumous). It was an emotional moment for his wife & Veer Nari Smt Smriti who accepted the award from #President Smt #DroupadiMurmu. Smt Smriti shares the story of her husband’s commitment & dedication towards the nation. Listen in! pic.twitter.com/SNZTwSDZ1Z

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) July 6, 2024

Captain Singh was posted with 26 Punjab as a medical officer in the Siachen Glacier area. On July 19, 2023, a short circuit led to a fire in an Indian Army ammunition dump around 3 am. Captain Singh saw a fibreglass hut engulfed in flames and immediately acted to save those trapped inside. He successfully rescued four to five individuals, however, the fire soon spread to a nearby medical investigation room. 

Captain Singh went back into the blazing structure. Despite his efforts, he could not escape the inferno, and was trapped inside before dying.

“Unfortunately, within two months of our marriage, he got posted in Siachen,” Ms Singh recounted. “On July 18, we had a long conversation about how our life would be in the next 50 years. On July 19 morning, I got a call that he is no more,” she said. “For the next 7-8 hours we were not ready to accept that anything of such sort has happened.”

“Now that I have the Kirti Chakra in my hand, maybe it is true. But it’s okay, he’s a hero. We can manage a little of our lives. He has given all his life to save other families, his army family,” Ms Singh said. 

Captain Singh was cremated with full state honours in Bhagalpur in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district on July 22, 2023.