BATHINDA, Punjab—S. Jarnail Singh, the 65 years old Sikh farmer who allegedly slapped the Rural Development Minister Sikandar Maluka on November 20, was released from Bathinda jail on bail last night.
Following his release, Jarnail Singh spoke with Sikh24 and said that Maluka left no stone unturned to keep every mouth shut that was against him.
“Civilians in Punjab are living a frightened life due to extra-judicial activities of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal),” said Jarnail Singh. “I do not regret what happened,” he added.
It is notable that the incident took place just a day before the “Sadbhavan Rally” in Bathinda. After Maluka was slapped, Jarnail Singh was brutally beaten by members of the Youth Akali Dal. The incident took place at village Hamirgarh. Jarnail Singh intended to question Maluka over his stance against ‘Black Diwali’ observed by Sikhs in protest of state-wide desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
At the time of his release, large number of activists of various teacher unions, farmer Unions and social bodies reached jail to extend their warm wishes to Jarnail Singh.
