Gangster-politician Rocky cremated amid security

Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, May 2

Slain gangster- turned -politician Jaswinder Singh Bhullar alias Rocky was ceremated at his native village Jhugian Kehar Singh amidst tight security here today.

His younger brother Yadwinder Singh alias Roman lit the pyre. Rocky was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Parwanoo in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday.

Thousands of supporters, including women, from the rural lower strata of society participated in the cremation. People were seen perched on tree tops to have a glimpse of the deceased. The entire village was cordoned off from all sides. Barricades were laid as hundreds of police personnel on vigil virtually frisked every one. All entry points to the funeral site were being videographed to prevent any untoward incident besides keeping an eye on the visitors. .

Many women were seen wiping tears. “He took utmost care of poor people”, said an aggrieved Saroj Rani of Nai Abadi locality here.

Besides the crowd former BSP MP from Jaunpur and strongman Dhananjay Singh considered to be the mentor of Rocky, former Congress Minister Hans Raj Josan of Jalalabad and former Fazilka MLA and Parliamentary Secretary Mohinder Kumar Rinwa were present in the cremation.

“Murdering anyone sends a wrong signal in the socio-political circle”, said Josan. Sanjay Chautala, son of Om Hitler, a strong man of Sirsa, considered to be close associate of Rocky also attended the cremation.

None of the rank and file of SAD -BJP unit were present. SAD leader Vardev Singh Maan, son of former SAD MP Zora Singh Maan was the lone SAD leader present there.

Earlier, as the body of Rocky was ten in a procession from his residence from Guru Nanak Nagri shopkeepers downed their shutters for some time.

Political sources feel that Congress leaders attended the funeral with an eye on his support base among the poor.

Leaders from the ruling combine preferred to stay away as Rocky was a sworn opponent of Fazilka BJP MLA and Health Minister Surjit Kumar Jyani.

Rocky had lost to Jyani in the 2012 Assembly polls by over 1600 votes.