PHAGWARA: Senior Punjab leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira Mla and Former Leader of Opposition has strongly condemned the brutal beating of an Army Colonel and his son by Punjab Police officers, calling it yet another example of the lawlessness prevailing under the Bhagwant Mann-led government. Despite clear involvement of police personnel in the attack, the FIR has been conveniently lodged against ‘unknown persons, ’ exposing the brazen misuse of power and shielding of guilty officers.
Khaira lambasted the AAP government for turning Punjab into a police state, where custodial torture, high-handedness, and suppression of fundamental rights have become the norm. “I have repeatedly warned that Bhagwant Mann is running Punjab like a dictatorship, where police brutality is rampant, and law-abiding citizens, including senior Army officers and their families, are not safe. This shocking incident reaffirms my concerns, ” he stated.
Demanding immediate and strict action, Khaira made it clear that the mere suspension of guilty police officers is not enough. “Suspending officers is just an eyewash. They must be arrested, booked under relevant criminal sections, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The police cannot be allowed to function as a private militia for the ruling party, ” he asserted.
Khaira also expressed deep concern over the fact that the Colonel’s son was also assaulted, calling it a shameful and inhumane act. “This is not just an attack on two individuals but an attack on the dignity and safety of every citizen in Punjab. If even an Army officer and his family are not safe, what can the common people expect?” he asked.
He further warned that if justice is denied in this case, it will set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in law enforcement. “The people of Punjab will not tolerate such gross injustice. We will fight to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law, ” Khaira declared.
Khaira urged the Punjab Governor and the Central Government to intervene and ensure that justice is served, emphasizing that shielding erring police officers will only embolden further atrocities.