M A I N   N E W S

Ferozepur Clash
SIT to probe attack on Cong MLA
Anirudh Gupta/TNS

Ferozepur, May 8
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ferozepur range, Munish Chawla has constituted a special investigation team (SIT) comprising five senior police officials to probe into the allegations and counter-allegations levelled by Congress and Akali leaders over the yesterday's clash while the filing of nomination papers for the zila parishad elections at Mamdot, near Ferozepur.

The SIT would be headed by Ferozepur SSP Varinder Pal Singh, while Manmohan Kumar SP (H), Fazilka; Gurdeep Singh DSP (D), Moga; Ajmer Singh DSP (D), Ferozepur; and Inspector Gurbhej Singh (CIA, Ferozepur) would be its other members.

Naseeb Singh, personal assistant (PA) to Congress MLA from Guruharsahai Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, yesterday complained that he was thrashed by Akali workers outside the Returning Officer's office at Mamdot and a bullet, allegedly fired by an Akali leader, had pierced through his left thigh.

Rana Sodhi had also levelled serious allegations against Akali leaders belonging to Guruharsahai. He alleged he was abused and threatened by Akalis after intercepting his SUV near Chaupati village while he was on way to Mamdot.

Sodhi also alleged that he faced a murderous assault on him and several gunshots were fired at him by Akalis. His security personnel were, however, successful in whisking him away from that place, he said.

Ferozepur SSP Varinder Pal Singh, however, maintained that no evidence of firing had come to the notice of the police so far. "We are investigating into the matter thoroughly taking into consideration the complaints filed by both parties," he added. A panel of three doctors led by Ferozepur Civil Surgeon Dr Awtar Singh had been constituted to examine injuries sustained by the PA of Rana Sodhi.

The SSP said the team of doctors would also ascertain whether the wound in the left thigh of Naseeb Singh was a bullet injury, as was being alleged by him.