An FIR has been registered against 25 political leaders and workers from both the Congress and BJP in Jalandhar following a protest during municipal corporation action at Hotel Park Plaza.
Among those named in the FIR are former Member of Parliament Sushil Kumar Rinku, former MLA Sheetal Angural, former MLA Rajinder Beri, BJP leader Ashok Sareen Hickey, Congress councillors Jasleen Sethi and Sherry Chadha, along with several party workers and one unidentified individual.
Protest During Municipal Action
According to police officials, leaders and workers from both parties staged a protest while the Municipal Corporation was carrying out official action at the hotel premises. Police intervened and detained several protesters at the site.
Following a complaint filed by a municipal corporation official, the New Baradari Police Station registered a case under charges related to obstructing government duty.
Arrests and Court Proceedings
Police reportedly arrested multiple individuals during the late-night operation and registered the FIR against 24 named persons. Sixteen accused were formally arrested and later presented before the court.
All accused were granted bail after being produced before the duty magistrate.
Legal Developments
Advocate Mandeep Sachdeva stated that an earlier bail petition had been rejected by a five-judge bench. Subsequently, a modified petition was filed in the High Court, where the Chief Justice allowed an urgent hearing late at night and granted relief, directing authorities to halt further action.
Lawyers claimed that the protest was being conducted peacefully when police carried out the arrests.
Investigation Continues
Police officials stated that further investigation into the incident is ongoing, while maintaining that legal action was taken as per procedure for interference in official duties.
