Police foil SAD bid to gherao residence of MLA Bandala

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 5

Workers of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) attempted to gherao the residence of Jandiala MLA Sukhwinder Singh Danny Bandala to protest against the illicit liquor menace here on Wednesday. They were stopped by the police a few metres away from the house of the MLA and pacified. The activists raised slogans against the state government and demanded resignation of MLAs allegedly involved in the hooch tragedy.

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Leading the protect march, SAD leader Talbir Singh Gill said: “MLA Danny Bandala patronised illicit liquor traders in the area. He is responsible for the deaths in Mucchal village. We demand justice for families who lost their dear ones to the menace.”

Gurpartap Singh Tikka, district president of the SAD, said: “The SAD has always stood for the people. Over 100 people have been murdered but no one take action against those responsible. Whenever police arrested a liquor smuggler, the Congress leaders used would get them released. Congress MLAs should also be booked. Kin of victims have told us that they don’t have money to conduct last rites of the deceased. The government is providing them with only Rs 10,000 which is shameful.”

Former MLA Harmeet Singh said: “Captain Amarinder Singh had taken an oath on Gutka Sahib to eradicate drugs from the state. However, he has given a free hand to its MLAs and Congress workers who have patronised drug smugglers.”

Some families of deceased persons from Mucchal village were also part of the demonstration.

Jagir Kaur from Mucchal village said: “The state government is responsible for all deaths. The government has failed to check the sale of illicit liquor. I have lost my son. The sale of illicit liquor should be banned and strict action should be taken against those guilty.