Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s vehicle was on Tuesday attacked in Jalalabad, Punjab, reported PTI. Following the incident, the party alleged that ‘police-backed Congress goons’ were behind the attack.
“Police backed Congress goons today made an attempt on the life of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal,” news agency ANI quoted the party as saying.
“Three party workers who jumped to the president’s rescue received bullet injuries,” the statement read.
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told ANI, “I do not know the details of the incident yet, so it would not be right to say anything about it, but any kind of violence is condemnable.”
When asked about the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said, “Two Akalis and two Congress people were injured. So we don’t know anything. Let the Police do their work.”
Badal was accompanying Akali candidates for filing of nomination papers for the February 14 civic polls. His media advisor Jangveer Singh said, “Congress goons stoned SAD president’s vehicle, fired and injured two Akali workers.”
He claimed that police remained “mute-spectator” during the whole incident. SAD leader Parambans Singh Romana alleged that Congress workers also fired from their guns.
In a video of the attack that has surfaced, Badal‘s white SUV can be seen trying to back track, as multiple stones were pelted on it.
Elections to eight municipal corporations and 109 municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Punjab will be held on February 14.
