SAD demands action against real culprits of Bathinda encroachment
Chandigarh: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today demanded action against the “real culprits” behind takeover and plotting of a Wakf property on the outskirts of Bathinda by close associates of finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal.
In a statement here, senior SAD leader Sikander Singh Maluka said small fry had been booked in the case which had come to light after flooding had exposed graves in the 18 acre Wakf plot recently.
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Manpreet Badal with Bittu Gandhi[/caption]
“Everyone knows that accused Bittu Gandhi, whose wife is a Congress councilor, is a favourite of Manpreet Badal and his family and enjoys their protection. It is also common knowledge that a mafia is operating in Bathinda as well as Gidderbaha which encroaches on Wakf Board and other common lands and sells off the same to gullible people. This mafia enjoys political patronage at the very top which is why Bittu Gandhi and the other accused in the case have not been arrested by the Bathinda police till yet”, Mr Maluka said.
The Akali leader said it was a matter of record that the Wakf Board has been writing to the district administration about the encroachment and takeover of its property by Manpreet’s supporters but no action has been taken in this regard. “Despite this even now when the scandal has been exposed the Bathinda Police is soft pedaling the issue and has not registered a case under Section 420 (cheating) against the accused”.
Mr Maluka said it was also important in public interest for Mr Manpreet Badal to explain his role in the entire matter. He said it was ironical that the minister had gone to the illegal colony to announce relief after it was flooded due to the canal breach but had maintained a stoic silence over the role of his supporters in encroaching and selling off plots in the land belonging to the Wakf Board. He said Manpreet must come clean on this issue and let the law take its course against all accused, even if they were members of his family.
The former minister said the SAD would also take up the issue in the forthcoming Vidhan Sabha session. He said since the issue was very sensitive and concerned land which was to be used for religious or charitable purposes by the Wakf Board, chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh should intervene in the matter and order a high level inquiry into the case. “The truth should come out and no effort should be made to suppress it simply because those booked are closely related with Manpreet Badal. The government should also order an inquiry into encroachment of other Wakf and common land in the area by the same mafia and action should be taken against the kingpins of this land mafia”, he added.
— PTC News
