Sikh panel chief slams Punjab over ‘detention’ of Karnal residents

Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) president Jagdish Singh Jhinda on Thursday criticised the Punjab Government and Punjab Police over the alleged detention of people from Karnal in connection with the escape of AAP MLA and rape accused Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra.

Jhinda met Superintendent of Police Ganga Ram Punia and demanded that such raids should be stopped by the Punjab Police.

While interacting with mediapersons at Dera Kar Sewa Gurdwara in the city, Jhinda said the AAP government should take responsibility for its own legislator instead of harassing innocent people. “They do not care for their MLA. If they did, such a crisis would not have occurred. To cover up their own failures, they are resorting to high-handed police action in Haryana,” he added.

The HSGMC president alleged that Punjab Police entered Dabri village late on Wednesday and detained several people, including relatives of HSGMC member Gurnam Singh alias Laddi.

“This is wrong and will not be tolerated. Punjab Police are trying to create disturbance in peaceful Haryana. We have urged Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to take strict action against such misconduct,” he said.

It is learnt that Pathanmajra allegedly managed to escape from Laddi’s residence after a raid by Punjab Police on September 2. On the complaint of the Punjab Police, Karnal police have registered a case against the MLA, Laddi and others for obstructing public servants in the discharge of duty.

However, earlier on the same day, the Punjab Police claimed that they had taken the MLA into custody but chaos broke out. They alleged that someone fired into the air and villagers pelted stones, creating confusion that enabled the MLA to escape. The Punjab Police also claimed the recovery of an SUV and three weapons from the spot. Villagers, however, strongly denied the charges.

Later on the same evening, Punjab Police modified its earlier statement, saying it only appeared as if someone had fired into the air. While retracting the firing claim, officials maintained that villagers disrupted the operation, allowing the MLA to flee.

Offers to adopt one flood-affected dist

Jhinda said that the HSGMC has written to the Punjab Government expressing its wish to adopt one of the worst flood-affected districts of Punjab. “Villages are devastated, homes submerged, people distressed. In this hour of crisis, HSGMC stands firmly with our people. We have sent a letter to the Punjab Government requesting permission to take responsibility for one entire district badly damaged by floodwaters. Whether it takes six months or a year, we will ensure rehabilitation—rebuilding houses, supporting children’s education and helping farmers and livestock,” Jhinda said.