CHANDIGARH, Punjab—As the “Sadbhavna” rallies have continued in Punjab, the Akali Government has continued crackdown on its opponents. In the last week, several prominent figures has been taken into custody. In process, the Akalis have also not spared relatives of its opponents.
Prominent Journalist Baltej Pannu Faces Charges
Well known journalist in the North America, Baltej Pannu, has been arrested and charged in a molestation and rape case. Baltej Pannu is host of several radio shows and is known for his reporting against the drug mafia in Punjab. Pannu has on Punjab Government’s radar for a long time.
Family members of Canadian Aam Aadmi Party Activist Arrested
Raghbir Singh Bherowal’s father and brother in law have too been taken into custody. Bherowal has a strong following on Facebook, with close to 100,000 fans. His father, S. Pritam Singh Bharowal and his relative Jagdeep Singh have been arrested under sections 107/151 of Cr.P.C (Code of Criminal Procedure). Raghbir Singh’s father is member of the Akali Dal working committee.
Punjab government seems on its toes to suppress the voices of its opponents. Personalities active on social sites are being targeted by Punjab government and fake cases are being registered against them. Cyber Crime cell of Punjab has also made a numerous requests to Facebook seeking deactivation of accounts that have become headache for the Akali government of Punjab.