Ferozepur police arrest gangster-turned-politician Gurpreet Sekhon; supporters block highway

In a late night action, the Ferozepur police arrested gangster-turned-politician Gurpreet Singh Sekhon under Section 7/51 of the CrPC (preventive arrest by police to maintain peace) and took him to the Kulgarhi police station, where he is presently lodged.

After getting released from jail two years ago, Sekhon decided to leave the world of crime and got into social work in his area.

Later, Sekhon decided to take a plunge into politics, and now two of his family members are contesting Zila Parishad polls as Independent candidates, who have been extended support by SAD.

Few hours before his arrest last night, Gurpreet had uploaded a video on his social media, anticipating the action by the police, which he alleged was under pressure from the ruling AAP government, because its local leaders were insecure due to the overwhelming support he was receiving from people.

Later this morning, hundreds of his supporters gathered in front of the Kulgarhi police station and blocked the Ferozepur-Ludhiana road (NH-5). The protesters raised slogans against the police and AAP government and threatened that the dharna would not be lifted till Sekhon was released.

Joginder Singh Jindu, former MLA and SAD district president, alleged that it was the height of anarchy as AAP was destroying the democratic system in the state by indulging in witch-hunting. "It is clear now that the local AAP MLA has accepted his defeat due to which he has taken this step under frustration," said Jindu.

Notably, SAD is extending support to Sekhon's candidates in Ferozeshah and Bazidpur zones.

“We are getting tremendous support from the electorate in this Zila Parishad polls due to which the AAP leadership has now resorted to using police force to browbeat us,” said Advocate Arshdeep Singh, one of the team members of Sekhon. He added regardless of government actions, Sekhon’s candidates would win these elections as the public support was with him.

Earlier, Sekhon also had cleared his intentions and had announced that he would be contesting 2027 Assembly polls. While talking to The Tribune, he had stated that he had forgotten his past, and was now looking forward to serving the people of his area.

When contacted, DSP (Rural) Karan Sharma said that Sekhon was arrested due to preventive measures along with his two accomplices. “Today, he will be produced in SDM court for further proceedings,” said DSP.

Later, following the assurance of the police that no injustice would be done with anyone, the dharna was lifted.