Middukhera Murder: Revenge posts surface, Punjab cops fear gang war; vigil up

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 9

The intelligence wing and organised crime control unit of the state police are on high alert as the chances of a gang war are reportedly high after the broad daylight murder of Youth Akali Dal (YAD) leader Vikramjit Singh, alias Vicky Middukhera, in Mohali on Saturday.

It’s a personal loss: Sukhbir

• SAD chief Sukhbir Badal on Monday visited Vicky Middukhera’s residence in Muktsar and accused the government of patronising gangsters
• “The government is responsible for the present state of affairs, where kidnappings, extortions and killings have become a daily affair,” he said
• Sukhbir said Vicky’s killers would not go scot-free. “Vicky was like a family member to me. His death is a personal loss,” he added

CM must call all-party meet: AAP

• Punjab affairs co-incharge Raghav Chadha said the Capt government should make efforts to maintain peace and harmony in state
• Chadha said the discovery of arms and other explosives in Amritsar along the Pakistan border was a matter of concern
• “Recently, murders and anti-national activities have intensified in the state, but the government has not formulated any policy in this regard. The CM should hold a meeting with representatives of all parties,” he added

A few hours after Vicky’s death was confirmed, a post on the Facebook page in the name of gangster Davinder Bambiha had taken responsibility of the murder. On Sunday, two posts in the names of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and gangster Sampat Nehra vowed to avenge Vicky’s murder.

Notably, the state government is already under fire over the present law and order situation and the state election are also due early next year. Further, these posts doing rounds on the social media have triggered panic among commoners.

A farmer today requested the district administration to increase his quota to carry cartridges from 25 to 50, citing the present situation in the state. “Those living in the outskirts of villages are most vulnerable. So, we should be permitted to carry double the amount of cartridges for security reasons,” he said.

A retired police officer, who closely watched such activities during his service, said: “Almost every month, one such horrific incident is taking place in the state. Most of these youngsters, who are involved in criminal activities, were once friends during their student life. Later, they split into separate groups and now running after each other. Most of them are fitness freak, well-connected and belong to well-off families. Just a few of them did not grow from student politics and directly entered the world of crime. Every time a gang acts, the other tries to react and the police try to thwart such incidents.”

A senior police officer said: “Vicky had mass appeal among youngsters and friends in all political parties, who are sulking now. It is our duty to keep a watch on all developments. We have seen some Facebook posts related to Vicky’s murder as well.” Sources said the police had prepared a dossier of all those involved in major brawls recently and keeping a tab on their activities. “Independence Day is approaching and if a similar incident happens at this juncture, it will bring a bad name to the police. We have been told to increase vigil,” said sources in the police.

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