Will monitor probe into Shiv Sena leader Sandeep Thapar attack case: Punjab Governor

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Ludhiana, July 7

Governor Banwarilal Purohit today visited Ludhiana to enquire about the health of the injured Shiv Sena leader. The Governor met Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal and Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney here.

He, however, didn’t meet the Sena leader and his family. Showing concern for the injured leader, he issued instructions to the hospital authorities and police officials.

He reportedly talked to the Police Commissioner regarding the incident and took information about the ongoing probe. Meanwhile, he also held a discussion with the doctors treating Shiv Sena leader Sandeep Thapar.

“I asked the Ludhiana police to arrest the third accused as soon as possible. Do not leave any loopholes in the probe report and give investigation task to one of the best officers so that the accused should get strict punishment. I will rather suggest that the Police Commissioner must monitor the probe and prosecution process as well. I will also be personally monitor this case,” he said

The Governor said the brutal attack took place and the victim was fortunate that he survived. He was told by the doctors that his skull and brain had not suffered any serious injury. The doctors also told him that the victim’s both hands had fractures. The victim would be discharged from the hospital within a week or 10 days, he said.

“I must appreciate the Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner that they ensured the victim the best treatment and will ensure justice in all respect,” said the Governor.

About the attack, Governor Purohit said what was the provocation, was it planned or not, everything would be thoroughly investigated. He had also asked for a probe report after the completion of investigation and then only he could reveal what circumstances led to the attack.

When asked about the past incident of same nature in which people were brutally attacked and some tried to give it a communal colour, he said some anti-social elements were trying to give it a communal colour but the public was wise enough and they didn’t fall prey to such elements. In fact, people who were committing such crime should not be spared and strict punishment should be given to them.

The Governor said he also read some media reports that the assailants were also under the influence of drugs, but he didn’t believe in half truth.

On being asked about the negligent behaviour of Punjab police gunman ASI Sukhwant Singh, who was deployed with Shiv Sena leader Thapar as he (gunman) didn’t make any effort to save Thapar, the Governor said when the police grant security to any person, they guaranteed his protection but, in this case, there was a complete security failure. Why the security man didn’t react and what was he doing when the victim was being attacked, a detailed probe would be conducted and strict action would be taken against the gunman.

“Punjab is peacefully state. There is no question of communal disharmony among the people. People are safe here and they respect each other’s faith. They should not pay heed to elements who spread communal disharmony. I must appreciate the people of Ludhiana who are playing a good role by showing a strong communal harmony after the incident. I also ask the media to excercise restraint and do not write anything that can create tension among the communities” the Governor said.