Chandigarh, May 26
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today filed a criminal complaint against Gidderbaha MLA Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon and his accomplices for alleged booth capturing, assault, intimidation and interference in poll processes during municipal elections and demanded FIR be registered against them and departmental action should be taken against police officials present on the spot who failed to take action against the guilty.
In a complaint submitted to the State Election Commissioner, SAD Chief Spokesman and Legal Cell Chairman Advocate Arshdeep Singh Kler alleged that grave incidents of booth capturing, assault, intimidation of opposition workers and blatant misuse of police machinery took place during polling at Ward Number 18 and 19 at DAV Yaish School Polling Station, Gidderbaha.
Kler alleged that Dhillon along with his personal assistant Jagtar Singh and supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party, unlawfully interfered in the polling process and attempted to influence and capture the polling station through force, intimidation, and misuse of official machinery. He said that such acts amounted to a direct attack on the democratic process and violated the fundamental principle of free and fair elections.
Kler further said that despite the presence of DSP Jatinder Singh at the spot, no action whatsoever was taken to stop the unlawful activities being carried out openly. “The inaction on the part of the DSP in the face of serious electoral misconduct raises serious questions regarding dereliction of duty and deliberate shielding of the accused persons,” he claimed.
Kler also alleged that ASI Kuldeep Singh, posted at Police Station Kot Bhai, was actively participating in the incident and instead of performing his lawful duties as a police officer he was openly assisting leaders and workers of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and was allegedly seen physically assaulting and intimidating opposition leaders and workers. He also submitted a video recording of the incident.
Kler urged the Commission that a high-level independent inquiry be conducted into the incident, an FIR be registered should be registered against Dhillon, and his PA Jagtar Singh, ASI Kuldeep Singh, and all other persons allegedly involved in booth capturing, assault, intimidation and interference in polling. He also demanded immediate suspension and departmental proceedings against ASI Kuldeep Singh for alleged gross misconduct and political partisanship besides action against DSP Jatinder Singh for failure to discharge his official duties despite being present at the spot.
