‘Tear Akalis nomination papers’: Sukhbir Badal alleges Patiala Police instructed to target workers; audio clip goes viral

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has accused the Punjab Police of “murdering democracy” by working to secure victories for ruling party candidates in the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Block Samiti elections.

Badal alleged that the administration is bending rules to suppress opposition candidates, particularly those from the SAD.

Badal on Thursday released an audio recording on social media, claiming it captures a conference call held the previous night by senior Patiala Police officers. In the clip — which The Tribune could not independently verify — officers are allegedly heard discussing strategies to prevent opposition candidates from filing their nomination papers.

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According to Badal, the officers on the call were taking instructions from Patiala SSP Varun Sharma on maintaining “law and order” during the nomination process.

The purported recording also includes conversations indicating that if any wrongdoing was to be carried out, it should happen outside the official nomination centers — in villages, homes, or on the way — rather than inside the centers themselves.

Several DSPs can be heard in the clip claiming they are acting in coordination with local political leaders, who are “satisfied” with the arrangements.

One officer purportedly states that the administration has no objection to the use of force, so long as candidates are obstructed before reaching the nomination venue. Another DSP reportedly says he is in touch with the local MLA for instructions.

Badal said the alleged conversations show a systematic attempt to “loot” the local body elections and intimidate SAD candidates. The audio went viral within minutes of being posted.

However, a senior police officer from Patiala has dismissed the clip as fabricated, asserting that no such discussions or instructions were ever issued.

Patiala SSP was unavailable for comments, despite many attempts to reach him.