:dateline:Baljinder Singh Gill, an Akali Dal activist from Tarn Taran, along with group of 11 other Shiromani Akali Dal workers, fired several gunshots at Anil Joshi’s brother Rakesh Kumar Raja in a clash. The clash was triggered over an argument on ward delimitation.
No injury to Raja was reported, but he was rushed to a hospital as he complained of breathlessness.
The 20-minute skirmish took place at 11:45 am in public view and it was filmed live on camera outside the SDM office at Tarn Taran.
Although, the Tarn Taran police registered an FIR against SAD leaders but Joshi’s family said the police did not take requisite action and did not include charges of attempt to murder (IPC sec 307). “I have been raising my voices against Akali Dal on various occasions,” said Joshi, who rushed to Tarn Taran from Chandigarh while his party was holding a meeting on ticket distribution to candidates.
On the other hand, SAD leaders have also reportedly submitted their statements alleging that Raja and other BJP members had humiliated them by verbally abusing them. They alleged that BJP leaders and workers had started the fight and were accompanied by muscle men.
Punjab is holding polls to local bodies on February 22 and 25.
