Liquor haul row rocks Mohali polls; Sidhu seeks FIR against cop

Mohali: A political slugfest erupted ahead of the MC polls in Mohali after a senior Congress leader alleged misuse of police machinery to distribute liquor and influence voters, even as police said the accused was acting on his own.

Former Punjab health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu demanded registration of an FIR against a police officer, alleging Model Code violations. He said a complaint had been submitted to the State Election Commission accusing officer Balwinder Singh Jhansal of aiding AAP-backed and Independent candidates.

Sidhu claimed vehicles — PB 65 BJ 9908, PB 12 M 2031 and T0426CH 8403A — were being used for alleged liquor distribution, and that video evidence had been shared with the poll panel. He sought an independent probe, seizure of vehicles and strict action against those involved.

However, Independent candidate Paramjit Singh Kahlon denied the charges, calling them “politically motivated” and aimed at tarnishing his image during elections.

Police, meanwhile, said they have arrested the SUV driver, Harminder Singh, and booked him under sections of the BNS. Five cartons of IMFL and a police uniform were recovered from the vehicle.

SP Dilpreet Singh said the accused is a private individual who allegedly misused the uniform, adding that the SI concerned was unaware and prima facie not involved. The role of the uniform is under verification, he said.