Cops ‘manhandling’ case: State BJP chief, Una MLA trade barbs

Our Correspondent

UNA, SEPTEMBER 20

A spate of allegations and counter allegations between BJP state president Satpal Singh Satti and Una MLA Satpal Raizada of the Congress party were made today with regards to the August 12 incident in which Raizada’s personal aides had allegedly manhandled two policemen who had seized a car loaded with illicit liquor in Pekhubela village of Una. The incident was also raised vigorously in the state Assembly during the recent monsoon session.

The videos of allegations and counter allegations by both the leaders had gone viral on the social media. During an interview to a channel last evening, Satti had claimed that while the MLA’s PSO, PA and driver were physically involved in manhandling the policemen, saying further that investigations had also revealed the involvement of Satpal Raizada in the incident.

Satti further said that the MLA had a telephonic conversation with members of the liquor mafia for about 15 minutes during the time when the car carrying crates of liquor was seized, adding that if the government wants to initiate action, the MLA can be put behind bars.

In response, Raizada challenged the BJP state president to have him arrested if the investigating agencies had proof against him. In his video message, he questioned what stopped the BJP government from arresting a person, against whom the government has adequate proof of involvement with the mafia.

“Let the investigating agencies submit their report, I will challenge them in the court”, said Raizada. He charged that Satti’s family members, including his nephew, were involved in illegal mining. He said when the Congress party returns to power such people will not be spared.

Today evening, the BJP state president backtracked on his earlier statement, saying that he had no information regarding the police investigations in the August 12 incident. He, however, said all those found guilty in the incident will not be spared, adding that action will be initiated on the basis of facts and that the BJP does not believe in political vendetta.

Reiterating the BJP’s earlier statements that the mafia enjoyed the patronage of Congress leaders in the state, Satti said he was ready for an open debate on the issue. He said the Congress leaders were perturbed since the BJP government was gradually tightening the noose on the mafias.

The MLA had a telephonic conversation with members of the liquor mafia for about 15 minutes during the time when the car carrying crates of liquor was seized. If the government wants to initiate action, the MLA can be put behind bars. —Satpal Singh Satti, State BJP chief

Let the investigating agencies submit their report, I will challenge them in the court. Satti’s family members, including his nephew, were involved in illegal mining. When the Congress party returns to power, such people will not be spared.—Satpal Raizada, Una MLA