SAD leader Vardev Noni Mann arrested in Fazilka panchayat poll clash case

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Vardev Singh Mann, popularly known as Noni Mann, was arrested by police in connection with a violent clash that occurred outside the Block Development and Panchayat Officer’s office in Fazilka’s Jalalabad town last year, during the nomination process for panchayat polls.

Jalalabad City police station SHO, Angrej Kumar, confirmed the arrest, stating that Mann, who had unsuccessfully contested Assembly elections twice on the SAD ticket from the neighbouring Guru Har Sahai Assembly segment, was apprehended from the Sangrur area on Wednesday morning. He will be produced before the judicial magistrate of Jalalabad.

According to sources, the case dates back to October 2024, when a clash erupted between rival groups over alleged irregularities in the nomination process. The opposing group accused Mann brothers, Vardev Singh and Nardev Singh (alias Bobby Mann), of opening fire during the scuffle.

During the altercation, Aam Aadmi Party leader Mandeep Singh Brar, contesting for the post of sarpanch from Muhammde Wala village, sustained a bullet injury to his chest.

Notably, Nardev Singh Mann, who had unsuccessfully contested the Parliamentary election from the Ferozepur constituency on the SAD ticket, was earlier arrested by Fazilka police from Chandigarh on September 11 this year.

The Mann brothers, sons of former three-time SAD MP late Zora Singh Mann, along with some unidentified individuals, have been booked under multiple stringent sections, including attempt to murder.