Akali leaders demand CBI probe against Mohali MLA

Mohali, December 18

Local leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today demanded legal action and CBI probe against Punjab Cabinet Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, also Mohali MLA, alleging that he has misused his official position to convert agricultural land into commercial and residential land.

“This way he (Sidhu) not only caused huge loss to the state’s exchequer but also looted farmers by purchasing their lands at cheaper rates,” alleged Paramjit Singh Kahlon, who led the local Akali party’s delegation to the Mohali Deputy Commissioner’s office to hand him over a memorandum in this regard.

Kahlon alleged that Sidhu enriched his family by using unfair means and misuse of his official position in the government here.

“The agricultural land is being used for commercial purposes without complying with the procedure prescribed in the Act,” alleged Kahlon, adding that the land in question was around 150 acres, situated in three villages – Manakpur Kalar, Tangori and Kurra, here.

However, Sidhu termed all allegations false and baseless.

“Everybody knows that they (Akalis) are just bundle of lies. They are raising false issues just to be in news. Everything has been done under rules and regulations. They are just trying to mislead the public with this drama,” said Sidhu.

While demanding CBI probe in the case, the Akali leaders alleged that the minister had exercised his influence over the Town Planning Board to get the status of the agricultural land changed to industrial/residential land to ensure illegal financial gain to his brother at the cost of farmers as well as the state. — TNS