Punjab sent cops for gurdwara polls, want them out: Delhi Police chief to Centre

Objecting to the security cover provided by Punjab Police to those who contested the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) polls last week, Delhi Police commissioner Neeraj Kumar has asked the home ministry to take up the matter with the Punjab government which did not keep his force in the loop. He wants the Punjab policemen withdrawn from Delhi.

A senior police officer estimates that during and after the gurdwara elections, 300 to 400 people had personal security officers, mostly Punjab policemen.

In a letter to union home secretary R K Singh on January 14, Neeraj Kumar said: "It has come to notice that certain candidates have been provided security cover by Punjab Police even though they are permanent residents of Delhi. The security cover has been provided without any consultations or even intimation to the Delhi Police and is a cause for major concern in maintaining peace and congenial relations between rival parties."

Kumar was referring to the tension between the two primary parties in the DSGMC polls — the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi). The former enjoyed the patronage of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son and deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, who campaigned in Delhi for at least two weeks. Incidentally, Sukhbir also hold the Home department portfolio in the Punjab cabinet.

The letter also pointed to the history of clashes between the SAD (Delhi) and SAD (Badal): "Both are contenders for control of the DSGMC. Recently on November 15, at Gurdwara Rakabganj, a major riot took place and cross cases were registered."

"It is requested that the matter kindly be taken up with the Government of Punjab and the security provided by them to DSGMC candidates and their supporters/others may be withdrawn/reviewed urgently in consultation with the Delhi Police."

... contd.

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