‘False cases filed during Akali rule’

BATHINDA: Gangster-turned-social activist Lakhvir Singh Lakha Sidhana on Thursday alleged that “several persons” had been booked in false cases in the Rampura Phul assembly segment at behest of the Akali Dal during the SAD-BJP regime.

Sidhana, a former People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) leader made the allegations while addressing a press conference, countering claims made by former Punjab minister Sikander Singh Maluka four days ago. Maluka had said no false cases were registered in Rampura Phul assembly segment during the SAD-BJP tenure and that SAD workers were being booked in false cases in the assembly segment at behest of Congress.

“False cases were registered in the assembly segment during SAD-BJP government at directions of Maluka. Now, with the change in regime, people are coming forward about these cases,” Sidhana said, adding that these cases were registered in Bhai Rupa, Mehraj, Phul and Bhagta. He was accompanied by five persons who allegedly were booked in false cases.

Harjinder Singh and Ajmer Singh, both Bhai Rupa village residents , alleged they were booked in false cases by the police. Mehraj resident Naseeb Kaur alleged four acres of her land was grabbed by “Akali men” but instead of acting against culprits, a false case was registered against her.

Sidhana said those who raised their voices against the previous government were harassed by the police and beaten in police stations.

Further, he said, a video of a stripped Congress worker from Bhai Rupa village inside Phul police station was uploaded on Facebook is one such case. Two cops were dismissed , even as a victim has demanded that a case be registered against SAD men for allegedly making the video.

Denying allegations, Maluka said if any false case has been registered during the SAD-BJP government, Congress government can inquire that through a commission set up for this purpose.