Turbaned Sikh man challaned for riding sans helmet, BJP slams AAP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the state over a traffic challan issued to a turbaned Sikh man for riding a two-wheeler without a helmet.

During a press conference here, BJP’s state spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal raised strong objections over the issue.

Police officials, however, said the challan was “not deliberate”. Jatin Bansal, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP Traffic), said the challan could have been a technical error. Police were in touch with the aggrieved person and matter would be sorted out, he added.

Taking a sharp dig at the AAP government, Baliawal questioned if wearing a turban had become a crime in the state.

“On one side, the AAP government is holding a special Assembly session on the Khalsa Sajna Divas and the Beadbi law. However, on the other hand, the Punjab Police are slapping challans on turbaned Sikhs for not wearing helmets. Has wearing a turban become an offence for Sikhs now,” Baliawal said.

He said the aggrieved man, who is a teacher, is appealing to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, asking whether Sikhs in the state still have to prove their identities.

Pointing out recent controversies, Baliawal said, “A few days ago, an inspector in Ludhiana thrashed a Sikh youngster. Earlier, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar had to intervene to secure the release of four persons being manhandled by the police in Patiala.”

Baliawal demanded Punjab CM Mann immediately gets the challan cancelled and takes strict action against the police personnel responsible.