Bilaspur, March 14, 2025 – Holi turned bloody in Bilaspur today as unidentified gunmen opened fire on former Congress MLA Bambar Thakur at his residence, leaving him and his Personal Security Officer (PSO) seriously injured.
The attackers reportedly fired around 12 rounds, hitting Thakur in the back and stomach. His PSO, who suffered critical injuries, was rushed to AIIMS Bilaspur, while Thakur was later shifted to IGMC Shimla.
Attack on Holi—Bilaspur’s Political Tensions Boil Over?
The attack, which occurred in broad daylight amid Holi celebrations, has sent shockwaves across Himachal Pradesh. Witnesses say that assailants barged into Thakur’s residence and fired indiscriminately before fleeing. Police, led by SP Sandeep Dhawal, are reviewing CCTV footage and have launched a manhunt.
A Pattern of Violence Surrounding Thakur
This isn’t the first time Thakur has been targeted. In February 2024, he was assaulted near Nauni after a scuffle with railway contractors, leading to severe injuries.
Months later, in June 2024, one of the accused in that case, Saurabh Patyal, was shot outside the Bilaspur court complex. Investigations later revealed that Thakur’s own son, Puranjan Thakur alias Golu, was the alleged mastermind behind the court shooting, leading to his arrest.
Thakur’s Controversial Past
The former Bilaspur Sadar MLA has been a polarizing figure in Himachal politics. In 2017, senior Congress leader Ram Lal Thakur accused him of illegal mining, tree felling, and drug trafficking, alleging losses of over ₹200 crore to the state. In 2018, Thakur was also booked for derogatory remarks against a woman on Facebook.
Political Reactions & Law and Order Concerns
The latest attack has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties questioning the deteriorating law and order in the state. Congress leaders have demanded swift action, while the BJP has linked this to past criminal allegations against Thakur’s family.
As Bilaspur reels from another violent episode, the big question remains—was this an act of political revenge or a deeper gang rivalry? The coming days will determine if the police can unravel the full truth behind this Holi-day horror.
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