An Aam Aadmi Party MLA in Punjab was allegedly assaulted by a group of people involved in illegal sand mining near Nurpur Bedi in Rupnagar district on Thursday, prompting Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to seek a detailed report on the incident.
Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Sukhpal Singh Khaira alleged that MLA Amarjeet Singh Sandoa was attacked for trying to expose the ongoing illegal activities of the sand mafia.
The AAP MLA and his gunman, head constable Sukhdeep Singh, were injured in the incident.
“Both were taken to a civil hospital, from where Mr. Sandoa was referred to PGI, Chandigarh, for further check-up after he complained of chest pain,” an official spokesperson said.
Three arrested
The police have arrested three persons allegedly involved in the incident.
The spokesperson said three relatives of Ajwinder Singh — the key accused from Baihara village — have been arrested. Ajwinder and another accused, Bachittar Singh, of Bhauwal village fled after the incident.
Those arrested have been identified as Jaswinder Singh Goldy, Manjit Singh and Amarjit Singh, all residents of Baihara. One vehicle and two guns were seized from them.
The Chief Minister has sought a detailed report from the Deputy Commissioner and asked him to ensure a free and fair probe.
The two PSOs attached to the MLA have also come under the Chief Minister’s scanner for evidently failing to protect him and have been transferred to the police lines. “The Chief Minister has directed the DGP to investigate their role in the entire episode,” the spokesperson added.
‘CM should resign’
Reacting to the alleged attack, the AAP in Delhi said the Chief Minister should resign if he cannot rein in the mafia.
AAP spokesperson Ashish Khetan said Mr. Sandoa had raised his voice against the sand mafia in the past as well.
He said the Chief Minister had during last year’s election campaign promised to rid the State of the drugs, transport, extortion and mining mafia. “Instead, the influence of the mafia has increased. They are carrying out lethal attacks on MLAs,” he said.
The AAP has demanded a new policy to put an end to illegal mining and also called for a White Paper detailing the loss of revenue caused to the State by illegal mining during the past 15 years.
