Police stop Khaira from ‘inspecting’ drain near Rana Sugar Mill in Amritsar
AMRITSAR:THERE was high drama in Butter Seviyan village, around 50km from the town, on Sunday after a posse of 40-odd policemen stopped leader of opposition, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, from inspecting a drain in the village. Khaira was leading a 100-strong group comprising residents of Butter Seviyan and surrounding villages and Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) leaders Angrej Singh and Charandeep Bhinder towards the drain.
He had alleged that Rana Sugars Limited, a mill that is owned by former irrigation minister Rana Gurjit Singh’s family, was discharging effluents in the drain that enters the Beas river.
SSP Parampal Singh said, “We did not allow Khaira’s group to visit the drain to avoid a clash.”
Khaira added, “The National Green Tribunal has issued a notice to the mill. Due to the release of effluents, residents are suffering from cancer, hepatitis, blindness and lung diseases. Rana Sugar Mill has also dug up bores of more than 500-feet inside factory premises.”
MALICIOUS CAMPAIGN, CLAIMS MILL DIRECTOR
Factory owner, Rana Partap Singh, who is a nephew of Rana Gurjit, said, “I challenge Khaira to prove even one of the charges. This is a malicious campaign.” He added that he would welcome PPCB inspecting the factory.
CM FLAYS KHAIRA’S ‘TRESPASS BID’
CHANDIGARH: Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has condemned Khaira for trying to force his way into he factory. “Khaira’s trespass bid was a violation of the law, with the potential to trigger violence,” he said.