Police attacked in Punjab's Patiala; cop's hand chopped off
Early Sunday morning, cops were attacked at a wholesale vegetable market in the Patiala district of Punjab, the police said. The gruesome attack, perpetrated by five Nihang Sikhs, left one cop's hand severed and two others injured. The police have since arrested seven people in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, the cop whose hand was chopped off is undergoing surgery. Here are more details.
According to PTI, around 6:15 am, a group of five Nihang Sikhs (a religious sect whose members carry traditional weapons) was asked to show curfew passes outside a wholesale vegetable market in Sanaur town. Notably, India is under a nationwide lockdown in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The group rammed their vehicle into a barricade and attacked the cops with swords.
According to The Times of India, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Harjeet Singh's left hand was chopped off, while Station House Officer (SHO) Sadar Bilkar Singh and ASI Raj Singh sustained injuries on their shoulders, arms, and legs. The assailants then fled the scene.
The group had reportedly taken shelter at the Gurudwara Khichdi Sahib in Balbera. According to PTI, several police teams were deputed to apprehend the assailants from the premises. Eventually, the police arrested seven men, including the five assailants. Senior advocate HS Phoolka told ANI that he has requested Punjab Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta to file a chargesheet within two days.
Detailing the events leading up to the arrest, DGP Gupta told NDTV, "After a two-hour stand-off, a team of mediators headed by the local sarpanch, entered the gurudwara. After another half an hour, the perpetrators surrendered." He added, "They came out carrying swords and knives. The police also recovered gas cylinders which could have been used as explosives."
After the attack, ASI Harjeet Singh was rushed to Rajindra hospital. He was later referred to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. DGP Gupta tweeted this morning, "Grateful to PGI for full support. Director PGI tells me surgery has already started by 2 senior surgeons who will do their best. All of us praying to Waheguru for his full recovery!"
