In a preventive move ahead of senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia’s court appearance, Punjab Police have placed SAD leader and former minister Sikander Singh Maluka under house arrest.
According to sources, more than six police vehicles reached Maluka’s village in Bathinda early in the day and stopped him from leaving for Chandigarh. Majithia, who was arrested by the Vigilance Bureau in a corruption case, is set to be produced in court today as his remand ends.
Speaking to Babushahi, Maluka strongly criticized the government’s action, calling it “blatant dictatorship and Nadirshahi behavior.” He accused the AAP-led Punjab government of stifling the democratic rights of opposition leaders.
A few days ago, during Majithia’s previous court hearing, several top SAD leaders, including party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, were either detained or placed under house arrest. That incident appears to have prompted police to take similar precautionary steps today.
Authorities suspect that Maluka, who holds considerable influence in the Rampura Phul constituency, could have gathered a large group of supporters to head toward Chandigarh in support of Majithia.
Police presence has also been ramped up in key areas to prevent any law-and-order issues during Majithia’s appearance in court.
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