SAD leader booked for violating poll code at Bibi’s rally
AMRITSAR : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Gurinder Singh Tony has been booked for violating the model code of conduct during a rally held at Dehra Sahib village of Tarn Taran district on March 13 to garner support for Bibi Jagir Kaur, the party’s candidate from the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary seat.
The model code of conduct came into effect after the Lok Sabha elections were announced on March 10. The case was registered against Tony, who joined the SAD during the rally held at his house, on the direction of Tarn Taran district election officer (Deo)-cum-deputy commissioner Pardeep Kumar Sabharwal for not seeking the prior permission of competent authority. Punjab chief electoral officer S Karuna Raju had initiated action after a news channel reported that liquor was distributed after the rally.
Besides Jagir Kaur, former Akali minister Bikram Singh Majithia, former MLAS Virsa Singh Valtoha (also SAD district president), Harmeet Singh Sandhu and Manjit Singh Manna were present at the rally.
No action was initiated against other SAD leaders, including Jagir Kaur in whose support the rally was organised. A showcause notice was also sent to Valtoha, but only Tony is accused of violating the poll code.
The case was registered against Tony at the Goindwal police station under Sections 171-E (bribery) and 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code on Wednesday. Assistant sub-inspector ASI Lakhwinder Singh, the investigating officer, said Tony was not arrested yet.
“In the rally, some SAD leaders addressed the gathering by using loudspeakers which were again used without permissions. Thus, holding of unauthorised rally is in clear violation of the model code of conduct as well as prohibitory orders issued under Section 144 of the Criminal Code of Procedure (CRPC),” the DEO’S order read.