In the midst of the model code of conduct in place ahead of the MC elections at Sultanpur Lodhi, CRPC proceedings have been initiated against supporters of Independent Sultanpur Lodhi MLA Rana Inder Pratap and the AAP, kicking up a massive row.
The police of Sultanpur Lodhi police station took preventive action against seven people of MLA Rana Inder Partap group and five people of the Aam Aadmi Party last night, amidst the tense atmosphere of the poll at Sultanpur Lodhi.
Following a youth of the Rana side being arrested by the police, supporters of Rana Inder Partap staged a massive dharna outside the police station Sultanpur Lodhi on Sunday, demanding the immediate release of their associate. Rana Inder Partap claimed seven of his men were detained in a ‘one-sided case’.
After bail was secured for Rana’s men, the supporters lifted the dharna late in the evening. Police said the detained men had been released and the preventive action case against both the party men stands and proceedings will be initiated if anyone tries to disrupt peace.
According to information, the row began late on Saturday night, outside the election office of the AAP in Ward No. 8, near the railway station. Commotion started when some youths allegedly from the Rana group reached outside the AAP office allegedly with weapons. After women present raised an outcry, a youth climbed atop the roof of a nearby house. Police soon reached the spot and took some youths into custody. Aam Aadmi Party’s urban president Rajeev Dhir and other leaders alleged that Rana Inder Pratap Singh wanted to spread hooliganism.
Calling the allegations baseless, Navneet Cheema and MC of the Rana side, asked to get the CCTV footage of the neighbourhood checked to ensure authenticity of the issue. MLA Rana Inder Pratap also reached the spot and had a heated argument with the police officers.
Demanding release of his supporters, on Sunday, the MLA, along with his hundreds of supporters reached the police station and started protest outside it.
Rana Inder Partap alleged, “Seven of my men were detained from 10 pm on Saturday until 6.30 pm this evening. It was a one-sided case against our people. No one carried any weapons and false allegations were made against my men. I have written to the EC seeking suspension of the SHO."
SHO, Sultanour Lodhi, Harinder Singh said, “Chowki in-charge of Kabirpur, on Saturday night informed us regarding the situation in the area getting very serious. When police reached, a youth was apprehended outside the AAP office. The very same preventive action was taken against five AAP party youths, but by the time police reached, they had fled. Youths from the Rana side had been detained, who have been let out on bail today. The preventive action case against the two sides still stands."
SSP Kapurthala Gaurav Tura said the police had taken precautionary (preventive) action against people of both groups under CrPC 107 and 151 on suspicion of breach of peace or a fight. He said the case is being investigated.
