Majithia in Bathinda: EC seeks explanation from DC,SSP

The Election Commission of India has sought an explanation from both Bathinda Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police regarding the presence of Majitha MLA Bikramjit Singh Majithia,brother-in-law of Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal,in the Bathinda parliamentary constituency on polling day on May 7 and also in an alleged firing incident.

In a fax message today late evening to both Rahul Tewari,DC and SSP Ashish Chaudhary,and a copy to Chief Electoral Officer,Punjab,Kusumjit Kaur Sidhu,the Commission has sought an explanation from both officers in this episode. It is learnt that the Commission has sought the explanation from both the officers on two grounds,first that Majithia was in the parliamentary constituency of Bathinda on May 7 despite orders that he cannot be in this constituency under Section 144 of the CrPC. He was spotted at different places,but the district administration did not take any action against him. His sister Harsimrat Kaur Badal was contesting from Bathinda seat. The second ground for the explanation is that when Majithia was allegedly in Lelewala village,he opened fire after he allegedly grabbed the rifle of his gunman. Then the local residents gheraoed the polling party,demanding that a case of attempt to murder should be registered against him.

The district administration first dithered,but finally registered a case for attempt to murder and under the Arms Act. The DC and SSP reached the spot and tried to strike a compromise. The next day,the police also booked Congress MLA from Talwandi Sabo Jeet Mohinder,who was booked in two cases. One for attempt to murder on the complaint of one Simarjeet Singh,an Akali agent,and another case for obstructing a public servant from performing duty. Sources said if the EC is not satisfied with the explanation,both officers could face a chargesheet and even suspension.