Cong accused of attacking SAD candidate, kin

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana February 23

SAD candidate from ward 48, Gurjit Singh Chabra, accused the Congress men of attacking him and his kin while campaigning in Street No 3 of Dhakka Colony today.

Chabra’s brother-in-law Lucky Singh sustained serious head injuries in the attack, while his brother Gurpreet Singh sustained minor injuries. Chabra also escaped with minor injuries. His vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner, was also damaged in the attack allegedly by Congress candidate Parvinder Singh Lapran, his father Gurdev Lapran, president of District Congress Committee rural, and his supporters.

Injured Lucky was admitted to a private hospital for treatment. Gurjit Chabra told The Tribune that he, Gurpreet, Lucky and a few supporters were taking the round of the area, when they were cornered by opponent from the Congress Parvinder Singh Lapran, his father Gurdev Lapran, and over a dozen other supporters. “They attacked us with sharp-edged weapons. My brother-in-law sustained serious head injury and assailants almost left Lucky dead. He is critical. We, however, managed to escape from the spot,” Gurjit said.

ADCP 2 Sandeep Sharma said it was not clear as to who attacked the SAD candidate and others. The police would proceed with legal action only when the complainant gives his statement, he said, adding that the person who was injured in the attack was not critical.

Another SAD leader attacked, vehicle damaged

Former SAD councillor Jagbir Singh Sokhi, a SAD candidate from ward 36, alleged that he was attacked by Congress candidate and his supporters, when he was present in New Shimlapuri. He said his vehicle was also badly damaged by the assailants. 

SAD condemns assault 

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), while condemning the assault on SAD candidate Jagbir Singh Sokhi and his supporters in Ludhiana today, asked the State Election Commission (SEC) to take immediate action in the matter, adding that if no action would be taken the Ludhiana MC election would witness violence and booth rigging on the pattern of the Patiala MC election. Cheema said he had informed the SEC about the incident and that outsiders were moving freely in Ludhiana and that there was every likelihood of Congress workers resorting to ‘goondaism’ on the election day if not checked. Cheema said he had also informed the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner about the incident and asked him to take strict action against those responsible.

Cong denies charge

When contacted, Parvinder Lapra categorically denied the allegations and said: “This incident occurred in Street No. 3, but I was present in Street No. 9 at the times of attack. Neither I nor my father was there. Still, SAD people levelled allegations on us. What I came to know is that SAD candidate Gurjit and his supporters were distributing money, liquor and some household items to voters in Dhakka Colony and by chance, my supporters noticed them. They asked them to stop the practice. It was they who attacked my supporters after which my supporters ran for their lives. The SAD candidate is clearly seeing his debacle, due to which he is levelling false allegations.”