2 AAP workers injured in firing at Fazilka’s Jalalabad, SAD workers blamed

Tension gripped the Block Development and Panchayat office premises in Jalalabad this evening after two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers were injured in firing, allegedly by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) workers.

According to reports, Mandeep Singh Brar, a youth contesting the Sarpanch post from Muhammad Wala village, was shot after miscreants fired bullets in the air. AAP activists, including MLA Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy, accused Vardev Singh “Noni” Mann, son of former MP Zora Singh Mann.

Mandeep Singh Brar and another injured youth were rushed to the Civil Hospital in Jalalabad. Brar claimed he didn’t realise initially that he had been hit in the chest and blamed Noni Mann for the incident. Dr Sumit Luna, Senior Medical Officer, said Brar has been referred to Ludhiana in critical condition.

SSP Fazilka, Varinder Singh Brar, and MLA Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy visited the hospital to inquire about the injured. The SSP stated that the dispute began with Mata Gujri Public School, built on panchayat land, which is pending in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

After a meeting with the BDPO, Vardev Singh Mann had an argument with Mandeep Singh Brar outside the office, leading to the firing. Police are examining CCTV footage to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. A case will be registered after recording the injured persons’ statements.

MLA Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy alleged that the Akalis, who previously influenced elections through muscle power, are now desperate due to the changed atmosphere.