Mansa: Lakha Sidhana sent to police remand, Rahul Gandhi urged not to join protest

A Mansa court has sent Lakha Sidhana and his associate Mohneet Sheron to one-day police remand on charges of injuring police personnel. Police had produced both via video conferencing in connection with the dispute that occurred while taking Daljit Singh's body to the protest site. Citing the recovery of mobile phones, police had sought ten days of custody, but the court approved only one day.

During the production, Lakha Sidhana's lawyers filed an application citing his poor health. Following this, the court directed police officials to take him to a government hospital for a medical examination. Nothing has yet been proved in court.

On the other hand, Bhim Singh, father of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhotta, has invited Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh's family not to visit the protest site. Addressing the gathering, he said there were indications from the Congress regarding Rahul Gandhi's visit.

Bhim Singh clarified that he has no personal grudge against Rahul Gandhi, but due to Sikh sentiments, he does not want to see former prime minister Indira Gandhi's family here. He said there is no objection to other Congress leaders visiting. Along with this, he also criticized Mansa MLA Vijay Singla for talking about the losses being faced by businessmen due to the protest.

The family announced that no talks will be held with the administration until all cases registered against protesters are cancelled and arrested associates are released. They also reiterated their demand for action against the Mansa SSP.

Earlier on Sunday evening, a government panel involving ADGP Gautam Cheema and senior IAS officer Kulwant Singh held a meeting with the Insaaf Committee in Mansa. ADGP Gautam Cheema stated that the 14 demands raised by protesters are being sent to the state government for further action.

Insaaf Committee leader Rajwinder Singh Rana said they have placed a demand for the assembly speaker, two cabinet ministers, and the chief secretary to personally come to Mansa and resolve the issue. He said that if the demands are not met, preparations to lay siege to the chief minister's residence in Sangrur on November 5 will continue.

Key developments

• Court sends Lakha Sidhana and Mohneet Sheron to one-day police remand
• Jhotta's father Bhim Singh appeals to Rahul Gandhi and Beant Singh's family not to visit protest
• Family criticizes MLA Vijay Singla for raising issue of traders' losses
• Protesters announce suspension of talks until cases are cancelled and associates released
• Government panel forwards 14 demands to state, committee summons ministers to Mansa