Did Congress Leader Randhawa Shield Gangsters?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- AAP's zero-tolerance policy: The AAP government is committed to strict enforcement against gangsterism.
- Accountability: Political leaders must be held accountable for their past actions regarding organized crime.
- Public safety: The safety of citizens remains a priority for the current administration.
- Legal battles: Previous governments faced challenges in handling gangster-related cases effectively.
- Transparency: Open discussions about political connections to crime are essential for public trust.
Chandigarh, Aug 1 (NationPress) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab raised concerns on Friday regarding the remarks made by Congress MP Sukhjinder Randhawa, who stated that his son is facing threats from gangsters.
The AAP emphasized that the government is treating this situation with utmost seriousness and will impose strict penalties on anyone who violates the law.
In a statement, AAP leader Baltej Pannu asserted that the administration enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards gangsterism and will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness.
Pannu challenged Randhawa, questioning, “The individual you are accusing today, who appointed his family member as the sarpanch (village head)? These facts are well-known to the public.”
Pointing to a notorious gangster from Uttar Pradesh, Pannu revealed that this criminal was brought to Punjab for a minor offense.
“Who provided him with VIP treatment here? The Uttar Pradesh government had to seek intervention from the Supreme Court to repatriate him. Lawyers from Punjab fought the case there, unnecessarily straining the state’s finances,” he added.
Discussing incidents like the Nabha jail break and cases involving gangsters such as Mukhtar Ansari, he highlighted the negligence of previous governments regarding law and order. However, he reassured that the AAP government has never and will never harbor or support such individuals.
Pannu reiterated that the administration will not compromise on maintaining law and order. “Those who take the law into their own hands will face consequences, regardless of their identity.”
Another AAP leader, Neel Garg, stated that before accusing the AAP government, Congress leader Randhawa should reflect on his own time in office.
Garg contended that gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, whom Randhawa is now mentioning, was actually afforded political protection by Randhawa’s own government, not by AAP.
Questioning Randhawa further, he remarked: “During your administration, Ansari was confined in a Punjab jail, while the Uttar Pradesh government persistently requested his transfer. Not only did your government refuse to comply, but it also engaged in legal battles in the Supreme Court. Will Randhawa clarify to the public what benefits Punjab gained from expending significant resources on costly legal representation for Ansari?”