Gangster accuses Sampla’s nephew of drug trade

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 17

Notorious gangster Surjit Singh Bitti, who was arrested for allegedly shooting at his rival, today alleged Robin Sampla, a nephew of Union Minister Vijay Sampla, was behind his arrest.

He alleged Robin had been helping his rival in his case as the two were involved in drug smuggling.

Bitti made the statement before the media while coming out of the court.

The police got his remand for another day to interrogate him. Bitti told the media that he was at home when the shootout took place on the Nakodar road. “The police arrested me from my home. Had I committed the crime, I would not have come to my place,” he claimed.

Robin denied the allegations, saying it was an attempt to malign his image. “I have nothing to do with the case. Bitti is levelling false allegations to give a political colour to the case. Both Bitti and his rival are residents of Abadpura locality where I have my office. They were once known to me. But I have nothing to do with their criminal activities. I am ready for a probe,” he said.

Ravinder Pal Singh Sandhu, ACP, West, said: “Bitti has neither given such a statement to the police or in the court. We will still investigate the matter.”

Vijay Sampla, when contacted, termed the allegations baseless. “It is a criminal act to name someone without any evidence. I fail to understand why the matter is being blown up.”