A resident of Faridanagar village near Pathankot, Hardev Singh, alleged on Saturday that Jathedar Sewa Singh, an Akali leader, had duped him of Rs. 2 lakh on the pretext of arranging a job for his son. Addressing a press conference here, Hardev urged the police to take action against Sewa Singh. Pathankot SSP Surinder Kalia said he had marked an inquiry into the matter to the DSP (city).

Hardev told reporters that about three years ago, a local, Jathedar Jagdish Singh, had arranged his meeting with Jathedar Sewa Singh, saying the Akali leader would help him in getting a job for his son as "he had links in the state government". Hardev said the deal was struck for Rs. 3 lakh, out of which Rs. 2 lakh was paid as advance.

However, Jathedar Sewa Singh said he had not taken any money from Hardev. "Since I am in politics, many persons discuss their problems with me. But I don't believe in duping anyone. The allegations against me have been levelled to tarnish my clean image," he said.