Punjab: Shiv Sena leader Sandeep Thapar attacked by men dressed as Nihangs in the middle of traffic; condition serious

In a shocking turn of events, Punjab Shiv Sena leader Sandeep Thapar Gora was attacked by four men dressed as Nihang Sikhs in Ludhiana on July 5. The assailants, wielding swords, inflicted serious injuries on Gora, who is now in critical condition and has been admitted to the district hospital.

Sandeep Thapar, a descendant of martyr Sukhdev Thapar, was attacked shortly after delivering a speech at a local event. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

The attack occurred in the middle of the street during heavy traffic. One attacker repeatedly struck Gora with a sword, while the other brandished their weapon to keep bystanders at bay.

The entire assault was captured on CCTV footage, which has since gone viral on social media. In the video, a gunman can be seen retreating to the side of the street as the attack unfolded.

On July 5, Sandeep, accompanied by his gunman, attended the death anniversary ceremony of Ravinder Arora, president of Samvedna Trust, which operates the Civil Hospital.

As Sandeep came out of the event after paying his respects, four youths dressed as Nihang Sikhs ambushed him with sharp weapons and swords in front of his gunman. The attackers then fled the scene.

Eyewitnesses rushed the injured leader to the civil hospital, from where he was referred to the local Dayanand Medical College and Hospital.

After the attack, Shiv Sena workers and leaders protested at the Civil Hospital, demanding accountability from the police administration.

Sumit Arora, youth wing president of the Shiv Sena Punjab, stated that Thapar had previously been assigned a security detail of at least three gunmen. However, the police had withdrawn his security cover a week prior, later reinstating only one gunman. Arora alleged that this gunman was often absent and did nothing to prevent the attackers from escaping.

Samvedna Trust, a local NGO, provides free ambulance services and vehicles for transporting bodies to cremations.

Nihangs are a warrior Sikh sect known for their blue robes and traditional weapons.