LUDHIANA: Circuit house in Ludhiana had become a den of anti-social elements who were being patronized by members of the ruling party, according to Tarsem Jodhan, CPM MLA.

Tarsem Jodhan in a letter to the Punjab Governor, a copy of which was released to the Press alleged that these anti-social elements had penetrated into the ruling party and were collecting money in its name.

Jodhan, who was beaten up by the supporters of the Political Secretary of the Chief Minister, alleged that Room No 3 and No 4 of circuit house were permanently under the siege of these elements and all plans to make the political leaders as their target were made in these two rooms.

Jodhan alleged that first Surjan Singh Thekedar, a veteran Akali leader, became the target of Gurmit Singh Political Secretary of the Chief Minister. He was humiliated in circuit house.

Then in August last when the National Human Rights Commission was to visit Ludhiana himself (Jodhan) was beaten up by supporters of Gurmit Singh in Room No 3. There were many liquor contractors and other antisocial elements who beat him up. On August 19, when the National Human Rights Commission ar rived in Ludhiana, supporters of Gurmit Singh gheraoed Vijay Sathi, Satpaul Gosain and him (all MLAs) and did not allow them and their supporters to present their grievances before the commission. Jodhan pointed out that recently supporters of Bitta were also beaten up in circuit house and two of them had to be hospitalized.

Jodhan expressed concern over the fact that the police which was always present in strength in circuit house but never bothered to intervene and take action against the guilty persons. The police had never arrested anybody involved in these incidents which clearly indicated that they had the patronage of the police also

Jodhan charged that many of these elements were supporters of militants and the president of the Indian Youth Congress had writ len to the high command about them. Some of them were holding government offices too.

Jodhan alleged that the ruling party was using these persons to frighten its rivals.

The ruling party functionaries summoned civil and police officials, he alleged, to circuit house and gave orders in the presence of these antisocial elements. These elements were also indulging in land grabbings.

The CPM, MLA called upon the Punjab Governor to intervene an put an end to “goondalsm” in circuit house.

Article extracted from this publication >> January 20, 1995