Republic Day violence accused Lakha Sidhana calls rally at CM Amarinder’s ancestral village on Feb 23

Sukhmeet Bhasin
Tribune News Service
Bathinda, February 20

Wanted in the Delhi violence incident of January 26, gangster-turned-social activist Lakhvir Singh, alias Lakha Sidhana, on Friday night posted a video on social media in which he announced to hold a rally in protest against the farm laws at Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amrinder Singh’s ancestral village Mehraj in Bathinda district on February 23.

Lakha Sidhana also appealed to the youths to reach at grain market in Mehraj village in the rally in large numbers.

In the 13-minute long video, Lakha Sidhana has hinted that he himself would also attend the rally in his home district.

He also urged unions leaders to be united against the three farm laws.

“The government is trying to create a fear among the farmers by registering false cases against them,” he said.

Sidhana has also asked Punjabis to promote their “mother tongue throughout the world on World Punjabi Day (February 21)”.

It is pertinent to mention that since January 26, Lakha Sidhana is absconding.

However, a few days back even rumours of Lakha Sidhana being arrested by Delhi Police in Sonepat spread on social media.

After the arrest of Deep Sidhu, Delhi Police have announced Rs 1 lakh reward on the whereabouts of Lakha Sidhana.

Even in Punjab, he was last seen on January 20 in Moga when he went to mobilise support for the tractor rally.

Bathinda district administration and police are unaware about the protest rally of Lakha Sidhana on February 23 in Mehraj.

IGP Bathinda Jaskaran Singh said, “I came to know about rally being organised by Lakha Sidhana supporters at Mehraj on February 23 but I don’t have any further information and police don’t have role in it.”

Lakha Sidhana belongs to Sidhana village in Bathinda district. At one time, he was one of the most dreaded gangsters in Punjab and is an accused in many cases, including booth capturing, attempt to murder, murder, loot, besides violation of the Arms Act.

He holds two master’s degrees and at one time even wanted to join the Indian Army.

He is also a Kabaddi player. He decided to become an activist and bid adieu to the world of crime.

He also unsuccessfully contested assembly election on a Punjab People’s Party (PPP) ticket from Rampura Phul Assembly constituency in 2012.

He was jailed several times between 2004 and 2017 and was shot twice but survived.