Gangsters terrorising voters, alleges Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa

Raising questions over deteriorating law and order situation in the state, Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Wednesday claimed that gangsters were ruling the roost in the panchayat poll.

Randhawa alleged that gangsters were influencing the voters under the patronage of state government.

Showing a video, he claimed that gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria’s mother and brother were honoured by AAP halqa in-charge of Dera Baba Nanak at his office on Tuesday.

“Jaggu Bhagwanpuria’s brother was felicitated with ‘siropa’. He claimed to have been elected unanimously as the sarpanch of Bhagwanpuria village. Will the gangsters govern the rural belts, which are already plagued by drug abuse and arms smuggling,” he said.

Citing another instance, the MP alleged that gangster Gopi Goli, who is wanted in around 25 cases, has been moving freely and terrorising the villagers in Kalanaur. “I visited a block in Kalanaur and he was present there. However, cops were completely unaware about it. I had reported the matter to the DGP, but no action was taken in this regard. The gangster is a close associate of Bhagwanpuria. He and his family members are openly terrorising the people. I have written to the Union Home Minister and Chief Minister in this regard,” he said.

The Gurdaspur MP also highlighted an incident of firing in Dehriwal Kiran village, wherein the three accused fled from the police custody.

While showing another picture of a public gathering, he claimed that a gangster was spotted shaking hands with a cabinet minister in the presence of top police officials. “I brought all instances to the notice of the DGP and SSP. However, no action has been taken in the matter,” he said.

Reacting to Randhawa’s allegations, Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the AAP had never patronised any gangster or anti-social elements. “I condemn Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa’s claims. Being a former home minister and deputy chief minister, he should know that the gangster culture prospered during the Congress tenure .”