Labourer's suicide takes political hue in Moga

MOGA: The suicide by a labourer working at the shop of a Congress leader has taken a political colour as some political parties have threatened agitation if strict action is not taken against the accused by May 7.
A case under section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (abetment to suicide) has already been registered at Mehna police station of the district against the accused Satnam Singh Sandeshi, the vice-chairman of farmers'' cell of the state Congress.However on an application of the accused the additional sessions judge has stayed the former''s arrest till May 7.
A dalit youth Karam Singh resident of Madoke village near here had committed suicide by consuming pesticide a few days ago. He was employed as tola (weighman) at the shop of Satnam Singh Sandeshi situated in grain market Dhudike. It was alleged that Karam ended his life due to intimidation by Sandeshi.
It was also alleged that some senior Congress leaders tried to hush up the matter but following strong protest by some labour unions, the police booked Sandeshi. He however succeeded in getting interim bail as the district police did not arrest him due to his alleged political connections.
It is reported that while the Congress leaders of the area are doing their best to resolve the issue by compromise, the opposition parties and Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union (PKMU) are demanding strict action against the accused and compensating to the dependents of the deceased to the tune of Rs. 5 lakh.
The SAD and some other parties have declared a protest march and rally at Moga on May 7. The PKMU has already started mobilising the villagers of the area against the Congress government.
On the other hand Satnam Singh Sandeshi alleged that he was implicated in the case under a deep rooted conspiracy by the leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Badal to tarnish the image of Congress party in view of the Lok Sabha elections. He alleged that SAD workers were instigating labourers against him and his party.