ADGP summons Sukhbir, other Akali leaders over plaint against Patiala cops

Punjab ADGP (Law and Order) SPS Parmar has summoned SAD president Sukhbir Badal and other senior party leaders on Sunday to produce proof pertaining to the allegations that senior Patiala officers were caught on tape discussing ways to favour AAP during the zila parishad and block samiti polls.

Earlier, the party had filed a complaint with the State Election Commission in this regard. According to information, those summoned include senior SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler, Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer and others.

They have been summoned under Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). They have been asked to appear in person or through their representative and by Parmar.

They have been asked “produce any oral, document or electronic evidence” pertaining to their complaint.

“The matter relates to the circulation of an audio clip on various social media platforms and it appears that the original content is available with you. The content is required to be taken on record for further proceedings in the inquiry,” read the summons.

“In view of the above, you are hereby directed to produce any oral/documentary/ digital/ electronic evidence in your possession to the undersigned in person or through an authorised representative in my office… at 11 am on December 7 without fail,” it reads further.

“The evidence is essential for the purposes of the inquiry/ investigation and for bringing on record relevant evidence”, conclude the summons dated December 5.

Two days ago, State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhari had sought a report from the DGP on the audio clip purportedly having a discussion between Patiala police officers on strategies to prevent Opposition leaders from filing papers.