Patiala, December 6
The Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, today refuted reports of “maltreatment” being meted out to Shiromani Akali Dal President Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir, stating that they were being provided with Diet Pepsi and bottled water, and that “chicks” had been put up on the door of their room and the verandah.
The Chief Minister said Sukhbir Badal would have to revert back to his old cell once a bathroom being
constructed for him was completed. He said he had earlier ordered the shifting of Sukhbir Badal to the cell allocated to the SAD President after he came to know that Sukhbir was finding the bathroom alongside his cell unsuitable for use.
The Chief Minister said a television set with cable connection, a new toilet seat for Parkash Singh Badal and provision of Bisleri bottled water and Diet Pepsi to Sukhbir Singh Badal were among the facilities being provided to the father and son. He said Sukhbir had not been kept with hardened criminals, adding: “I cannot give him five-star facilities,” similar to a room in.
The Congress leader said the government did not feel that food should be allowed to the SAD President from outside due to security reasons. He said food of their choice was being served to them by the jail authorities. In case they still wanted home cooked food, it would be allowed only if their relatives deliver it themselves, he added.
Speaking on the issue of allowing people to meet them, the Chief Minister said the government was following the Punjab jail manual on the issue and that the law was same for everyone. He said permission had been given to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to meet them as a “special case” and he hoped in future Central leaders would abide by the state government rules.
The Chief Minister also said that the state government would not try to disrupt the rally being organised by the party in the city tomorrow. “I have given strict instructions in this regard”. —
TNS
