Silence of police on councillor assault encourages rumours

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 23

Even after elapsing of three weeks, the police are silent on the reason behind the assault on Congress Councillor Jeet Singh Bhatia. Meanwhile, rumours are rife about the involvement of Mithu Madan in the case. Such messages are being shared through social media platforms. Residents have been making sequence of the incident to prove the increasing political power of Mithu and his desire to expand in the constituency.

Though, the police have arrested the main accused who slapped Bhatia, it is are mum on the reason behind the attack and the involvement of Mithu Madan.

Councillor Jeet Singh Bhatia said, “Cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has once again asked the police commissioner to reveal the name behind the attack. But the police are not sharing any information. I have also heard the rumours that some councillor hatched the conspiracy. The police have arrested the key accused who attacked me. He named some factory owner where the attackers had assembled. The police say he is still absconding. They should make it clear who is behind the attack.”

Around seven attackers, including three women, had turned up in Bhatia’s ward on October 5, when he was on inspecting waterlodged streets. One of them slapped the councillor on his turban before fleeing. Cabinet ministers Navjot Singh Sidhu and Sukh Sarkaria had assured to crack the case within two days.

The cops had arrested five persons. One of the accused is still absconding.

Meanwhile, there are speculations that Mithu Madan, son of the councillor, hatched the conspiracy to humiliate Bhatia. Area residents say police are hesitant to name the councillor under political pressure.

Mithu is absconding since the tragic train mishap that snuffed out 58 lives during Dasehra celebrations. Mithu was the main organiser of the event.