Tensions escalated to violence at the block development and panchayat office (BDPO) in Jalalabad, Fazilka district, Punjab, on Saturday. An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Mandeep Brar, was shot in the chest during a clash with supporters of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
The incident occurred amidst the filing of nominations for the upcoming rural body elections in Punjab. The clash involved SAD leader Vardev Singh Nonni Mann and his supporters, who were reportedly concerned about the potential rejection of their nomination papers due to a complaint filed by Brar, an AAP-backed candidate for the sarpanch position in Muhammadewala village.
The violence allegedly stemmed from an argument between Brar and Mann’s group, leading to the firing of gunshots. Brar was immediately transported to the DMC in Ludhiana for advanced medical care, while another AAP worker injured in the hand was taken to a hospital in Faridkot.
According to Fazilka SSP Varinder Singh Brar, the alleged attackers held a grudge against Mandeep due to his complaint regarding their “illegal” possession of panchayat land for a private school in their native village, Chak Suhele Wala. This complaint led to the withdrawal of a state government-issued no-objection certificate for the school and subsequent litigation.
Police are currently investigating the incident and pursuing the registration of a case against the accused. SSP Brar assured a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
These elections for over 13,000 gram panchayats in Punjab are scheduled for October 15th, and the violence highlights the increasingly heated political climate surrounding these local elections.
