The North News
Chandigarh, April 14
Punjab’s Leader of Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, did not appear before the state police on Monday after being summoned over his controversial remarks about the alleged presence of 50 hand grenades in the state. His lawyer told reporters that Bajwa had received the police notice late on Sunday night and could not attend due to prior commitments. “He will appear before the Cyber Crime police station in Phase 7, Mohali, on Tuesday ,” the lawyer added. Meanwhile, Partap Singh Bajwa has filed an application in the Mohali court requesting a copy of the FIR registered against him.
Bajwa, a senior Congress leader, has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly spreading misinformation that could harm national unity and provoke enmity.
Bajwa, was questioned on Sunday by a team of Punjab Police officials including AIG Intelligence Ravjot Grewal and Mohali SP (City) Harbir Atwal. The team visited Bajwa’s residence following his remarks in a recent TV interview, where he alleged that 18 of the grenades had already been used in blasts while 32 remained unaccounted for and could be used in future attacks.
The remarks have triggered a political storm, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accusing Bajwa of inciting public panic. In a video statement, Mann demanded that Bajwa reveal the source of his information, questioning whether he had “direct links with Pakistan.” He described the comments as “dangerous and irresponsible.”
Bajwa, however, has stood by his statement, saying he shared the information “in public interest” and that it came from credible sources. “Instead of targeting me, the government should investigate the leads,” he told reporters.
Backing his party colleague, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, “Don’t shoot the messenger. The government must probe the claim instead of filing cases against the whistleblower.”
