AAP protests ‘firing’ by Cong district chief

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, September 19

Senior AAP leaders on Wednesday accused Sangrur District Congress Committee chief Raja Beerkalan of firing and attempting to capture a polling booth in Jharon village while the latter denied the allegations. Later in the evening, AAP leaders held a protest in front of the Cheema police station.

“Raja along with his 20 aides came to the Jharo polling booth and fired five bullets. When our leaders along with villagers converged, he tried to flee with the ballot box. We have a video of a cop sharing the details. We have lodged a complaint, but the police, under the pressure of the government, are delaying action,” said Aman Arora, AAP MLA from Sunam.

Leader of Opposition Harpal Singh Cheema alleged that Raja and other Congress leaders kicked their physically challenged party candidate Jagsir Singh while trying to ensure the victory of Congress party candidate Sukhpal Singh Pali, who works as a driver with Raja.

Raja Beerkalan denied the allegations and said he did not carry any weapon. “I went to all polling booths and there is no complaint against me from anyone. I was only asking my party candidate about polling, when AAP supporters started pelting stones and bricks on me. I had to run for cover to save my life,” said Raja.

A video, which shows a constable saying that Raja tried to flee with ballot papers, has gone viral.

“Raja not only kicked me but he also stamped ballot papers in favour of his candidate and when villagers converged, he fired and fled,” said Jagsir Singh, AAP candidate. SSP Sandeep Garg said they were probing the matter and would register an FIR.