Ex-sarpanch among 5 AAP volunteers booked for attacking Mann’s PSO

BARNALA/PATIALA : The police on Tuesday booked five Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) volunteers, including a former sarpanch, for allegedly attacking Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann’s personal security officer (PSO) in Barnala on Monday.

The accused are reported to be supporters of dissident leader Sukhpal Khaira, who called the FIR “unjustifiable”.

The incident took place at Pandori village in the district where Mann had arrived to attend the last rites of party MLA Kulwant Singh Pandori’s father.

Those booked allegedly tried to block Mann’s convoy and entered into a scuffle with his PSO, constable Lakhvir Singh.

They have been identified as Nirmal Singh Nimma, former sarpanch of Chinniwall village; Karamjit Singh Uppal of Hardaspura; Pargat Singh of Mehal Khurd; Gagan Sran; and Amandeep Singh Dhaliwal of Tallewall in Barnala district.

“We were just trying to interact with our MP. We did not want to hold any protest, but the situation turned ugly,” said Amandeep Singh Dhaliwal over phone.

During the protest on Monday, the group had accused Mann of branding all AAP workers as agents of the RSS. Mann had made this statement in the context of workers who attended the dissident MLAS’ August 2 rally.

PSO FILED COMPLAINT, SAYS SANGRUR MP

Meanwhile, Mann said that he was not willing to take action against the volunteers and it was the decision of his PSO.

“I don’t believe in revenge politics. But the protesters could have harmed the security officers, and the FIR has been registered on the PSO’S complaint,” he said.

DSP (investigation) Surjit Singh Dhanoa said constable Lakhvir Singh alleged that the accused stopped Mann’s car and attacked him when he was trying to escort the Sangrur MP. They allegedly even tore his uniform.

A case has been registered under Sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 341(wrongful restraint), 147 (rioting) and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code at the Mehal Kalan police station.

“Raids are being conducted,” said Dhanoa.

REBEL LEADER KHAIRA CONDEMNS ACTION

Addressing a gathering during his visit to Patiala to mobilise AAP volunteers for a districtlevel convention on September 9, Khaira condemned the FIR.

“Mann should have instead tried to understand the sentiments of volunteers, as to why they are upset with the party and its working,” said the former leader of opposition.