Expressing alarm over the worsening law and order situation in Punjab, Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Wednesday alleged that dangerous gangsters and their affiliates were wielding considerable influence in the lead-up to the Panchayat elections.
Speaking at a press conference, Randhawa accused the state government of shielding gangsters, enabling them to manipulate voters. He shared a video that purportedly showed the mother and brother of notorious criminal Jaggu Bhagwanpuria being honored by the AAP Halka in-charge of Dera Baba Nanak at his office on Tuesday. According to Randhawa, Bhagwanpuria’s brother received a ‘siropa’ and claimed to have been unanimously chosen as the village sarpanch. “I can’t comprehend how Panchayat elections are happening while families of gangsters are being celebrated. Does this mean these criminals will dominate the rural areas, already suffering from drug problems and illegal arms trafficking?” Randhawa asked.
He pointed to another example, involving gangster Gopi Goli, wanted in over 26 cases, who has been intimidating residents of Kalanaur. Randhawa stated that he encountered Goli during a visit to the area, though the police were oblivious to his presence. Despite notifying the DGP, no action followed. “This gangster, a close associate of Bhagwanpuria, along with his family, has been freely terrorizing the people of Bhagwanpur village while law enforcement turns a blind eye,” he said. Randhawa added that he had addressed the issue in letters to both the Union Home Minister and the Chief Minister.
He also highlighted an open firing incident in the nearby village of Dehriwal Kiran, where three accused individuals escaped police custody and remain at large. Additionally, Randhawa shared a photograph from a public event where a gangster was seen shaking hands with a state Cabinet minister in the presence of high-ranking police officials. “I have reported all these occurrences to senior police authorities, including the DGP and SSP, yet no action has been taken. This reveals a serious failure in law and order in the border regions,” Randhawa stated.
