Punjabi actor Aman Dhaliwal — best known for his role as Rajkumar Rattan Singh in the Hrithik Roshan blockbuster ‘Jodha Akbar’ — was stabbed multiple times March 14 outside a Plant Fitness gym in Southern California.
A suspect, Ronald Vikash Chand, 30, has been arrested and is in custody. He has been charged with attempted murder and is being held on bail of $1 million at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside, California. Chand made his first appearance in court March 17, but has not entered a plea, according to his booking record.
Dhaliwal sustained several stab wounds on his upper body. The Corona resident was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, but has since been released.
According to the Corona, California Police Department, police were called to the scene of the crime at 9:20 that morning to investigate an assault with injuries. As the first officer arrived, he found several people holding down Chand.
During the investigation, police learned that the incident occurred in the parking lot: Chand approached the victim and assaulted him with a hatchet and knife. Dhaliwal and Chand ultimately ended up inside Planet Fitness. While inside, Chand held the victim at knifepoint for a short time. A video circulating on social media shows Dhaliwal then wrestling Chand to the ground. Bystanders then disarmed and detained Chand until police arrived.
The video shows a possibly mentally-ill Chand inside the gym brandishing a hatchet at Dhaliwal. “Please respect us,” shouted Chand. “I need water. Give me water,” he yelled.
Punjabi singer Aman Dhaliwal attacked in US
— Aishwarya Kapoor (@aishkapoor) March 16, 2023
*Singer sustained sharp edged weapon in juries
*Motive behind attack was yet to be known #punjabisinger pic.twitter.com/NcZQyuWsfV
Chand took his eyes momentarily off the scene, and in that moment, Dhaliwal took him down, as shown in the video.
Chand was also taken to a hospital and was treated for injuries. He was then transported to jail.
Corona police told New India Abroad that no motive has yet been determined for the brutal attack. This is an active investigation: anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Corona Police Department Detective Bureau, Detective Ryan Eddy, at (951) 739-4869 or email Ryan.Eddy@coronaca.gov.
Born in Mansa, Punjab, Dhaliwal is a former model turned actor: he was discovered in a hair salon. The actor has several movies and television shows in his repertoire. His latest film, “Anth The End,” was released last November by director KS Malhotra.
