SAD claims HC bail for Majitha worker, seeks CM’s resignation

Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal chief spokesperson and legal cell president advocate Arshdeep Singh Kler on Wednesday claimed that the Punjab and Haryana high court had ordered the immediate release of arrested party worker Jobanpreet Singh, after holding the arrest unconstitutional and illegal. He said this meant that the charges against SAD functionary Bikram Singh Majithia were "no longer relevant" and demanded chief minister Bhagwant Mann's resignation over the issue.Amritsar rural police had booked Majithia for entering the Majitha police station "forcefully and illegally" in a pre-planned conspiracy to free Jobanpreet from police custody on Sunday. On Monday, police carried out raids at Majithia's residences in Amritsar and Chandigarh, but could not find the Akali leader, who remains on the run. Kler said, "I now want to ask Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann and the Punjab DGP who will take moral responsibility for this? Under political directions, the Punjab Police is violating our constitutional and human rights. Cases are being registered through the police to settle the personal scores of constituency in-charges."He added the court also made observations regarding Majitha DSP Kamalmeet Singh. "The court asked whether, if Jobanpreet was ultimately acquitted in this case, Kamalmeet Singh would be prepared to deposit all the salary he has drawn till date back into the treasury, have his pension stopped, and pay a penalty of Rs 1 crore. Will Kamalmeet Singh, who carries out such actions at the behest of [AAP's] Majitha constituency in-charge Talbir Gill, stand by you then?" he said.Addressing the DGP, Kler said, "DGP Sahib, this is damaging the reputation of the Punjab Police. I would urge you to ensure that police officers are properly educated about the law and the correct procedure for making arrests." He said the alleged incident took place on May 26. "An FIR was registered against Jobanpreet on the night of the 30th, and he was picked up on the morning of the 31st. Supreme Court guidelines were flouted, constitutional safeguards were ignored," he said. Kler said no notice under the relevant section was served, and Jobanpreet was "not informed of the grounds of arrest",Kler challenged the CM. "Yesterday, the CM claimed that he [Majithia] had fled. Today, in court, chief minister sahib, you and your govt have once again been left red-faced. If you have any answer, you should come forward and give it," he said.