Liquor haul, ‘cop uniform’ recovery spark row in Mohali poll

Mohali: A major political controversy erupted in ward 10 Sunday, the final day of campaigning for the municipal corporation polls, after a Scorpio SUV allegedly carrying liquor and a police uniform was intercepted during a roadshow led by Congress candidate Kanwarbir Singh “Ruby” Sidhu.

The incident triggered high drama as Congress workers surrounded the vehicle, claiming to have found multiple liquor crates inside. Senior leaders, including former Punjab minister Balbir Singh Sidhu and ex-mayor Amarjit Singh “Jiti” Sidhu, rushed to the spot as tensions escalated.

Party workers alleged the vehicle, bearing a Mohali registration number, was being used to influence voters. Eyewitnesses claimed 3-4 occupants fled after the SUV was intercepted, though one youth was caught and handed over to police.

During inspection, four crates of Blenders Pride and one crate of 100 Pipers were allegedly recovered. A Sub-Inspector’s uniform with the nameplate “Balwinder Singh Jhansal” and a police sticker were also found, intensifying suspicion.

Congress leaders accused an Independent candidate of being behind the episode, alleging an attempt to vitiate the poll atmosphere. The candidate denied the allegations, terming them politically motivated and counter-accused Congress of distributing liquor, claiming he had already approached the Election Commission.

DSP City-1 Gurcharan Singh Waraich reached the spot with a police team. The vehicle and liquor were seized, and one youth detained for questioning. Police said no formal complaint had been filed by either side so far and further action would follow the investigation.

The incident kept the area on edge till late evening, with Congress demanding a fair probe and strict action.

CAPTION:

Police examine the Scorpio from which liquor and a uniform were allegedly recovered in Mohali on Sunday

CAPTION:

Police officials inspect the Scorpio from which liquor was allegedly recovered in Mohali on Sunday