Sukhbir warns cops over alleged vendetta against Akali workers

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday accused Punjab Police officers of acting as puppets of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He warned police against illegally arresting Akali workers, stating that officers would face legal consequences if such actions continued. Badal was in Tarn Taran thanking voters for supporting the SAD despite reported pressure and tactics.

Speaking to the media after visiting families of detained Akali workers in several villages, Badal claimed that the Punjab Police were displaying frustration due to poor performance of AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu.

He alleged that only Akali workers, including women, were being targeted while members of other parties were left untouched. Badal described the police actions as politically motivated and unprecedented, accusing the DGP and the CM of turning Punjab into a “police state”. He warned officers “aligned” with AAP to “prepare for repercussions, as the current government’s tenure was nearing its end”.

Badal said, “Even after resorting to booth-capturing and winning the seat, they are indulging in political vendetta just to satisfy their ego.” He met all affected families. Badal alleged that Harmeet Singh Sandhu, who defected from the SAD to AAP, prepared the list of targeted workers to settle personal scores. He declared, “Sandhu is a traitor who has backstabbed his mother party. This was his last election — the people will never again vote for a deserter.” — OC