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NDTV
8 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
AAP Vs BJP After Bishnoi Gang Claims Responsibility For Abohar Murder
Chandigarh: Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition BJP are at loggerheads over the law and order situation, with gangsters like Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria operating with impunity in the state. Today, the BJP's Union Minister Ravneet Bittu questioned why Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is not seeking custody of the gangsters involved in crimes in the state. Mr Bittu claimed that he would request Bhagwant Mann to get custody of Lawrence Bishnoi, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and other criminals. The Lawrence Bishnoi issue has sparked a political storm in Punjab since the murder of Abohar-based businessman Sanjay Verma on July 7. A co-owner of the 'New Wear Well Gents Tailor' showroom, Sanjay Verma was gunned down by three assailants in broad daylight near a commercial area in Abohar. While the state's opposition parties had attacked the AAP government, alleging that the law and order had "collapsed", the mood turned soon. AAP started pointing fingers at the BJP when the Lawrence Bishnoi group took responsibility for the crime. State finance minister Harpal Cheema alleged that the BJP has been "protecting" Lawrence Bishnoi. The gangster has been in Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat - a state the BJP has been ruling for the last 30 years - since 2014. "We have taken action in the Abhor murder case... It is sad that he is targeting Punjab sitting in Gujarat," Mr Cheema had told reporters. "Why he (Bishnoi) has been given the protection and why has he been kept in jail? Who took Lawrence Bishnoi to Gujarat and why is he being safeguarded there? The BJP seems to be protecting him so that he can be used to create unrest in states ruled by opposition parties," Mr Cheema had alleged. "In states where the BJP is not in power, they are using criminals and gangsters to disturb peace. This is a dangerous conspiracy against the nation's federal structure and law and order," he added.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
In Punjab face-off, AAP-BJP fight has a Gujarat angle
1 2 Jalandhar: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann 's remarks ridiculing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits and then calling Union home minister Amit Shah "tadipaar" have intensified AAP's political fight with BJP. Like Punjab, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party has been using such attacks to take on BJP in Gujarat, as AAP has been trying to increase its support base there aggressively and is seeking to position itself as the main opponent to BJP. Like BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have also been attacking AAP govt on law and order in Punjab, especially after the murder of Abohar-based businessman Sanjay Verma. However, AAP has hit back at the BJP the strongest, accusing it of patronising and using gangsters, specifically Lawrence Bishnoi. It was after these attacks that the CM targeted the PM and HM, turning it into an AAP-vs-BJP narrative. This was visible on Saturday, when AAP and BJP protested against each other at different places in Punjab. BJP protested the CM's remarks, while AAP protested by accusing BJP of shielding gangsters. B by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 高齢者のための痛みのない血糖測定に最適な血糖値測定器！ Wmet 今すぐ購入 oth parties, working as cohesive units with strong and sharp social media networks, further pushed this equation. This AAP-versus-BJP clash is not confined to Punjab. AAP's social media accounts are taking it outside Punjab while targeting BJP. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal appears to be aggressively expanding the party's base in other states and projecting himself as an alternative on the opposition. He has been specifically focusing on Gujarat, where around a fortnight ago, he alleged a 'hidden romance' between Congress and BJP, and announced that his party had no alliance with Congress and that the INDIA bloc was for Lok Sabha polls only. AAP has also announced plans to contest alone in Bihar, and it appears to be getting aggressive in Uttar Pradesh too. On Sunday, AAP Punjab's X handle shared a poster titled 'BJP's G – connection'. It further mentioned: 'G-Gujarat, G-Gangster'. The poster had PM Narendra Modi's picture on it. AAP's national X handle reposted this acerbic poster, specifically targeting the PM and BJP in Gujarat. AAP had launched a no-holds-barred attack on BJP earlier last week, alleging that the Abohar-based businessman was killed on the orders of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who was being kept in a Gujarat jail. AAP Punjab president Aman Arora and finance minister Harpal Cheem have been taking on the BJP the most. BJP also pushed the 'fake encounter' line In the sequence of events, Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa attacked AAP for a "staged encounter" after two suspects arrested in connection with Verma's murder were killed in "cross firing" while in police custody. He said gangsters flourished under AAP rule and now Punjab had been turned into a police state with fake encounters. Sirsa, who earlier warned police officials that he would follow the issue of the "fake encounter", told TOI on Sunday that he was exploring the option of moving the court to get a CBI enquiry ordered in the 'fake encounter' case. "Their story is childish and full of holes," he said. MSID:: 122420452 413 |
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Three-member SIT to probe Abohar bizman's murder
Digging deeper into the murder of 54-year-old Abohar-based businessman Sanjay Verma, Fazilka senior superintendent of police (SSP) Gurmeet Singh on Saturday constituted a three-member special investigation team (SIT). Sanjay Verma, 54, owner of a textile firm, was shot dead by three motorcycle-borne persons right outside his showroom in Abohar town at 10.15 am. (HT) Confirming the development, SSP Gurmeet said the SIT comprised the Abohar deputy superintendent of police (DSP), and the station house officers (SHOs) of City Abohar and Khuiyan Sarwar police stations. 'All efforts are being made to trace and arrest Shakti of Abohar's Azimgarh area and his two accomplices who are the prime suspects in the July 7 murder,' said the SSP. 'They received ₹1.40 lakh in their account from a foreign handler as payment for executing the crime,' said the SSP, while refusing to disclose the identity of the foreign sender or the country involved. Their three accomplices — Inderpal Bishnoi, 26, Sandeep Khichad, 28, and Pawan Khichad, 24, all residents of Kuchor village in Bikaner district — were produced before a local court and sent to four-day police remand. As per police, the trio allegedly provided shelter to the shooters and played an active role in helping them evade arrest. They also arranged financial and logistical support for the fugitives. One of the accused reportedly runs a paying guest (PG) accommodation where the shooters stayed while on the run. 'We expect further questioning during the police remand to yield more crucial leads,' the SSP added. Sanjay Verma, the victim. (HT) Even five days after the broad daylight murder of Sanjay Verma in a busy commercial area of Abohar, police have neither arrested Shakti nor identified his two accomplices, who together fired 8-10 rounds at the victim. Unconfirmed reports indicate that unidentified individuals had fired gunshots outside Verma's residence a few weeks prior to his murder. However, Ferozepur deputy inspector general (DIG) Harmanbir Singh Gill stated, 'No member of the victim's family ever informed the police about any such firing incident.' SSP Gurmeet added, 'We will certainly look into the matter to verify whether any such incident of gunfire actually occurred.' Magisterial probe underway into 2 suspects' killing Meanwhile, police have also yet to identify those responsible for the July 8 killings of Ram Rattan and Jaspreet while they were reportedly being taken for weapon recovery in police custody. Although initially claimed to be an encounter by police, the FIR states they were shot dead by their own unidentified accomplices. A magisterial probe was ordered into their killing on July 9. Police said during preliminary interrogation, Ram and Jaspreet had confessed to having facilitated firearms for the shooters. The SSP refrained from further comment, citing the matter as sub-judice and under magisterial inquiry. Protesting Jaspreet's killing, his family submitted a memorandum to the Patiala sub-divisional magistrate, demanding a CBI probe. Sukhbir meets bereaved family, condemns deteriorating law and order On Saturday, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal visited the bereaved Verma family on Saturday. Addressing the media, Badal strongly criticised the deteriorating law and order in Punjab. He said, 'The Vermas are a respected family who have always served society. If such people can be gunned down in broad daylight, how can ordinary citizens feel safe?' He pointed to a surge in crime, especially extortion and shootings, over the past two to three years, citing a recent incident where a doctor in Moga was shot for ransom. Badal accused the state government of being absent and alleged that chief minister Bhagwant Mann had allegedly ceded control of Punjab to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. AAP accuses BJP of patronising gangsters The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday evening staged a protest against the alleged patronage being extended to gangsters lodged in jails by the central Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Leading the protest, AAP MLA from Fazilka Narinder Pal Singh Sawna accused the BJP of shielding criminals and enabling their operations even from behind bars. Former MLA Arun Narang also participated in the protest, lending support to the party's demand for immediate action against the alleged nexus between gangsters and jail authorities. The AAP leaders demanded that the Centre take strict action to dismantle the criminal networks operating from prisons and ensure accountability of officials involved in offering protection or aid to gangsters.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Lawrence Bishnoi Becomes Hot Topic During Punjab Assembly's Special Session
New Delhi: On the first day of the special session of the Punjab Assembly, political leaders across party lines addressed the alleged involvement of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in the murder of Abohar-based businessman Sanjay Verma. AAP ministers, particularly Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of shielding criminals for political benefit. The matter was not discussed on the floor of the House, but while coming out of it after the session was over. Fashion designer and showroom co-owner Sanjay Verma was shot dead during the day by three men outside his store in Punjab's Abohar city on Monday. "We have taken decisive action in the Abohar murder case. However, we observed BJP leaders reacting emotionally to the government's crackdown. Leaders from Punjab to Delhi appeared shaken by the strict action taken by the AAP-led government. It is clear that BJP leaders are supporting gangsters," Mr Cheema said. Mr Cheema further alleged that everyone knew Lawrence Bishnoi was being held in a Gujarat jail, and that it was the BJP - which has ruled Gujarat for the last 30 years - that had been protecting him. "Now, they are using Bishnoi to take revenge on others. Businessmen are being targeted and killed to create fear among the trading community across the country," he said. The AAP leader accused the BJP of using criminal elements in states where it is not in power. "Wherever the BJP is not in government - including Punjab and other opposition-ruled states - they are using these goons to create instability. Yesterday, a Delhi BJP minister claimed the encounter was fake. Today, another BJP leader also raised questions about it," he said. Mr Cheema maintained that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is taking strict action against those who threaten law and order. "The entire country knows that BJP protects criminals. It seems the BJP now intends to form a wing of gangsters within the party. They do not believe in democracy and are trying to disturb non-BJP ruled states to gain political mileage," he said. He added that the people of Punjab are well aware of the BJP's alleged bias against the state. "When Punjab took strong action by eliminating criminals involved in the Sanjay Verma murder case, BJP's demand for a CBI probe clearly indicated that they were protecting goons. They are only trying to score political points, but the AAP government in Punjab is firm in its resolve to maintain law and order," he said. Mr Cheema also said that the state government is ready to take Lawrence Bishnoi into its custody. "We are prepared to take Lawrence Bishnoi into our custody. BJP leaders should accompany us if they are serious about this. The BJP must explain why the Gujarat government is providing protection to Bishnoi," he added. BJP state working president Ashwani Sharma responded by saying that law and order had completely collapsed in Punjab. "Law and order is a state subject. When the AAP government fails to control the situation, it simply starts blaming others, particularly the BJP," he said. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, also weighed in by saying, "Law and order in Punjab has deteriorated badly."
Indian Express
31-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Breach in Punjab's Abohar-Malukpura canal within 24 hours of water release sparks farmers' fury
A 100-foot-wide breach in Punjab's Abohar-Malukpura canal, reported on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, widened rapidly to nearly 200 feet, sparking fresh outrage among farmers just as paddy transplantation was set to begin. This distributary, which originates from the Sirhind feeder canal, supplies water to nearly 20 villages in the region. The water supply has now been halted again to facilitate repairs, leaving farmers staring at uncertainty during a critical agricultural window. Though this belt is not a paddy growing belt but still area under paddy is on an increasing trend in this area as well. Moreover, cotton and kinnow farming is also affected due to no water supply following a breach. What has raised serious concerns is the timing of the breach. The canal had been shut for a fortnight for cleaning and was reopened only on Thursday midnight. Less than 24 hours later, a breach was reported. Farmers are questioning the efficiency and intent of the canal cleaning operations. 'The cleaning work is doubtful. Why wasn't the structural strength checked before releasing water?' asked Resham Singh, a local farmer. 'Mud has entered our fields due to the breach, and now we have to clean it before starting transplantation. Our saplings are not even ready, so how are we benefitting from this? This has only disrupted water supply to many villages, including ours. The canal department should stop making lame excuses.' When contacted by The Indian Express, Vinod Suthar, executive engineer of the Fazilka Canal Division, admitted to the breach but maintained that repair work was already underway. 'The breach will be plugged within a day. We remove vegetation and other solids during cleaning. The walls of the canal are concrete, but at times rodents make burrows from the outer side, which are not visible during cleaning. This breach has occurred from a point considered structurally strong and had never breached before. We will conduct a thorough inquiry,' he said. Suthar said that the breach might have helped fields by flooding them naturally. 'The breach has rather benefitted the fields by making them ready for transplantation,' he said, adding that further investigation is required to determine the exact cause and impact. However, this explanation hasn't gone down well with the farming community. 'After cleaning, strength checks and inspection for burrows should be done by beldars. They can't shirk their responsibility,' said Sukhjinder Singh Rajan, an Abohar-based farmer. 'This is not the first time. In April, a breach occurred in the Punjawa Minor, and again in May at a different location. Now, after a two-week cleaning drive, a breach happens again? The department is clearly at fault,' he said. Sources in the agriculture sector pointed out that fields earmarked for paddy require waterlogging to create a permeable layer in the soil. While the flooding may appear beneficial, the sudden inundation with muddy canal water creates more problems than solutions—especially when not all farmers are ready for transplantation. With tempers running high and trust in official assurances wearing thin, the latest breach has not only disrupted the irrigation schedule of a key farming belt but also exposed systemic negligence in canal maintenance and post-cleaning inspections. As the countdown to paddy transplantation begins, farmers across Abohar are demanding accountability and a complete review of the canal department's operational practices. In April, Punjawa minor had suffered a breach which was repeated in May and now Punjawa minor has been put on cleaning for a fortnight.
