Four nabbed for attack on Sikh preacher, more raids on

Four people have been arrested in connection with the attack on Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale near Punjab's Ludhiana city while raids were on to arrest the others and uncover the conspiracy, police said on Thursday.

Ludhiana Commissioner of Police Jatinder Singh Aulakh said that four people have been arrested in connection with the incident and raids were being conducted to nab others.

"Four accused have been arrested in this case. Further investigations are on. We can't disclose much at this stage," he said.

Police have provided security to Dhadrianwale, 36, a Patiala-based preacher, who was attacked on Tuesday near Barewal bridge near Ludhiana, 120 km from here, when he was travelling with some supporters.

His convoy comprised other vehicles also but a group of 30-40 people attacked his SUV only by firing at it and hitting it with baseball bats and sharp-edged weapons.

Dhadrianwale's close aide Bhupinder Singh was hit by a bullet and died in the incident.

The attackers had planned the attack well as they set up a 'chhabeel' (makeshift counter to offer sweetened water) near the Barewal bridge. The preacher's car was attacked as the convoy stopped and its occupants were offered juice packs.

"The SUV was badly damaged in the attack which lasted for over 15 minutes. The preacher's driver showed presence of mind in speeding away from the spot despite a burst tyre and the vehicle being attacked and fired upon. The assailants even chased the SUV in another vehicle," said a police official.

--IANS

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