BJP leader, 3 others hurt in clashes at Dera Bassi

Dera Bassi, February 14

Four persons, including the BJP candidate from Ward No. 12 of the local Municipal Council, Mukesh Gandhi, were injured in clashes during polling here today.

Gandhi alleged that Congress candidate Lakhwinder Singh Lucky and his 40-50 supporters attacked him around 3.30 pm. Gandhi’s supporters and a few residents alleged that there was an attempt to capture the booth, which they resisted resulting in the attack. Lucky, however, denied all charges levelled against him by Gandhi. The police later apprehended unidentified youths from near the Congress booth.

Dera Bassi SDM Kuldeep Bawa said: “There was no incident of physical violence at Zirakpur, Dera Bassi and Lalru. There may have been incidents of verbal altercations between candidates and their supporters. Polling, by and large, remained peaceful.”

Meanwhile, SAD candidate from Ward No. 12 Harvinder Singh Pinka’s supporter, Madan Lal, suffered head injuries when unidentified youths attacked him after barging into his house. Madan Lal was admitted to the Dera Bassi Civil Hospital from where he was referred to the GMCH-32. Pinka alleged Congress candidate Rajiv Sharma and his supporters were behind the attack. The police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

In Ward No. 14, Congress candidate Ranjit Singh Reddy and former Dera Bassi Municipal Council head Harjinder Singh Rangi traded allegations of bogus voting, following which the police had to intervene and bring the situation under control.

At Saidpura (Ward No. 8), BJP candidate Nirmal Singh Nimma and Congress candidate Jaswinder Singh Saini clashed with each other over a row relating to polling agent Roshan Lal. The supporters of both candidates suffered minor injuries. — TNS