Armed men enter house of Badal’s former OSD

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, July 25

Five armed assailants entered the house of Bhai Sukhdeep Singh Sidhu, a former OSD to former Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal and GM, Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation, in Sector 21 last night with the motive of robbery while the entire family was asleep. The assailants escaped after Sidhu’s brother came to know about the forced entry into the house.

The accused, who stayed in the house for around 40 minutes, managed to make way with Rs 3 lakh, two watches and other valuables. The accused were caught in CCTV cameras installed at the house.

Sidhu, who also remained Additional Principal Secretary to former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal, said he, along with his brother Bhai Gurjinder Singh Sidhu, stayed with their families in the same house in Sector 21.

“Around 2.50 am, five armed assailants entered the house after breaking a window. They then broke another door and went across the house looking for valuables,” Sidhu said.  Sidhu’s brother Gurjinder came to know about the intruders. Acting swiftly, he pulled out his licensed pistol from the cupboard and charged at the assailants. “The accused saw the pistol in my brother’s hand, got scared and fled from the spot,” Sidhu said. 

The assailants had their faces covered. They were wearing vests and carrying bags. The police were informed about the incident, who rushed to the spot. 

Before entering the house, the assailants bolted the servant’s room from outside.

A team of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory visited Sidhu’s house and collected fingerprints. The police have collected the CCTV footage, which is being scrutinised. 

The accused also laid their hands on important documents, including passports, which were later found on the lawns of the house.  The matter is under investigation at the Sector 19 police station. 

Attempted theft at two other houses

The assailants also attempted theft at two other houses in the neighbourhood, but were not successful. Sources said they enetered the house of a businessman. However, his wife came to know about it after which the accused escaped. They then attempted to enter another house, but failed. Finally, they managed to enter Sidhu's house.