Youth critical after machete attack, may lose hand

Patiala: A 19-year-old youth sustained critical injuries on Sunday evening, with a machete attack almost severing one of his hands from the arm. Doctors at a private hospital in Patiala are trying to save victim Sujal's hand, but there is no clarity on the present status. Police said the wrist bone had been cut apart by a machete, but the hand was still attached to the forearm with the skin. Doctors also said the youth suffered a fracture in his other arm along and a head injury.According to the victim's statement, he and a friend were travelling on a motorcycle near the Old Fort area in Nabha when they were allegedly intercepted by a group of youths. When they resisted handing over their mobile phone, the attackers allegedly assaulted them.The victim alleged that the assailants also robbed his friend of Rs 3,000 before fleeing. The crime scene was located not far from the local police station.Nabha police station SHO Gurvinder Singh said they received information about the injured youth from a private hospital in Patiala on Monday. He said ASI Chamkaur Singh had been deputed to record the victim's statement, and a case would be registered accordingly. Police said efforts were underway to identify and arrest the accused.