A case was registered against Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa at Mohali.
Punjab Congress Senior leader Partap Singh Bajwa claimed in a TV interview that 50 hand grenades had entered the state, of which 18 had been used and 32 remained unaccounted for.
Highlights of the news
● Partap Singh Bajwa’s ’50 grenades in Punjab’ remark sparked row
● Congress leader sought more time to appear for police questioning
● Bajwa likely to appear on Tuesday, protest planned by Congress
Punjab Congress Partap Singh Bajwa, under fire over his “50 hand grenades present in Punjab” remark, has sought more time to appear before the police in connection with an FIR registered against him. He was scheduled to appear at the Mohali Cyber Crime Police Station at 12 pm on Monday.
A case was registered against Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa at Mohali’s Cyber Crime Police Station late Sunday night for his hand grenade statement and he was summoned to record his statement on Monday.
Instead of Bajwa, his lawyer reached the police station on Monday and asked for time from the police. Bajwa’s lawyer said that the police summons were received late on Sunday night, due to which Bajwa could not take legal advice in time.
Now he will appear at the Cyber Crime Police Station at around 2 pm on Tuesday afternoon and record his statement.
Bajwa was questioned by the Punjab Police on Sunday and was asked to reveal his sources for the big claim. During a TV interview, Bajwa claimed that 50 hand grenades had entered Punjab, of which 18 had been used and 32 remained unaccounted for.
Advocate Pradeep Virk, representing Bajwa, appeared before the Cyber Crime Police Station and requested more time, stating that Bajwa had prior engagements and had not received a copy of the FIR. The advocate confirmed that Bajwa will now appear before the police at 2 pm on Tuesday.
The counter-intelligence team of the Punjab Police visited Bajwa’s residence in Chandigarh and questioned him about his claims on Sunday. The officials remained at Bajwa’s house for about half an hour before leaving.
In an interview with National News Agency, senior counter-intelligence officer Ravjot Garewal stated, “Partap Bajwa, during a media interaction, claimed that 50 hand grenades are present in Punjab, with around 32 still active. We took cognisance of his remarks and questioned him regarding the origin of this information.”
According to the police, a case has been filed against Bajwa under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In response to the FIR, the Punjab Congress has announced a protest scheduled for Tuesday.
Reacting to the questioning by the Counter-Intelligence team, Congress leader Partap Bajwa had said, “I stand firmly by my statement and will not disclose my sources. The police approached me, and I extended full cooperation.”
he added. “Have a look at the current situation in Punjab”grenade attacks are happening, and the government appears directionless.”
Chief Minister Mann took a dig at Bajwa
● CM Mann said the senior Congress leader has made an baseless and irrational statement on Sunday.
● CM Mann said that those who counted the bombs are now looking for lawyers.
● CM Mann said the opposition should do politics on positive issues instead of creating fear among the people.
● Punjab has already suffered a lot, the government will not allow anyone to disrupt law and order.
Congress came out in defense of Pratap Singh Bajwa regarding FIR
The Congress has reacted sharply to the FIR lodged against Punjab Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa over his grenade statement and allegations of links with terrorist groups. Party general secretaries Jairam Ramesh and Manish Tiwari called it politically motivated. They said that Bajwa has lost his family to terrorism and such action cannot silence the Congress