Former Congress MLA Bamber Thakur shot at in Bilaspur, security officer injured

NEW DELHI: Former Congress MLA Bamber Thakur was shot at by unidentified assailants at his residence on Friday, police said. Thakur, along with his personal security officer (PSO), sustained injuries in the attack, which involved nearly a dozen rounds of gunfire.

Attack in broad daylightThakur was sitting in the courtyard of his government-allotted accommodation in Bilaspur when four armed men stormed in and opened fire. An eyewitness reported that the assailants fired around 12 bullets before fleeing on foot towards the main market.

Thakur suffered a bullet wound to his leg, while his PSO was also injured.

Security response & investigationA manhunt has been launched to trace the attackers. "Barricades have been set up on roads and highways to nab the culprits," said Superintendent of Police Sandeep Dhawal. He assured that the suspects would be caught and booked under relevant sections of the law.

Government's reactionChief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took immediate note of the incident, ssaying, "I have spoken to Bamber Thakur and urged him to seek treatment at AIIMS, but he opted for IGMC Shimla. The Deputy Commissioner has been directed to ensure necessary medical care."

Thakur was referred to Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, while his PSO was shifted to AIIMS Bilaspur for treatment. Authorities continue their investigation as security remains heightened in the region.
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