Sarpanch, 13 others booked for assaulting Cong leader

Our Correspondent

Tarn Taran, January 17

Ram Singh, newly elected sarpanch of Noordi Khurd village, along with his son and 12 others, has been booked for allegedly attacking a member of his rival’s group. The incident took place on January 14 night. Complainant Sukhdeep Singh stated to the police that the accused fired at him and also attacked with sharp edge weapons, leaving him injured.

According to information, Ram Singh belongs to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). During sarpanch elections, Sukhdeep Singh was supported by Congress workers. Both had got 99 votes each in the elections so the presiding officer had to decide the victory through a toss to which both sides had agreed. The toss went in favour of Ram Singh. Due to this, tension prevailed between both the groups.

Besides Ram Singh, the other accused have been identified as his son Akashdip Singh, Ranjit Singh, Satnam Singh, Kabal Singh, Jujj Singh (panchayat member), Harpreet Singh and the identity of seven others is yet to be ascertained.

Meanwhile, the group against whom the case has been registered has maintained innocence. Former SAD MLA Harmit Singh Sandhu condemned the incident. He said the ruling party was resorting to repressive tactics. He said he would meet the SSP to lodge his protest.