Sangrur ‘suicide’ SAD SC wing holds protest outside Cheema’s office

Cheema has categorically denied all charges, alleging a conspiracy to frame him. Led by Gulzar Singh Ranike, the members of the outfit held a protest at the Dirba Mandi following which they marched towards the minister’s office raising slogans

The Shiromani Akali Dal’s Scheduled Caste wing on Friday held a protest demanding justice for a Sangrur Dalit man who allegedly committed suicide after a public confrontation with finance minister Harpal Cheema. The protesters demanded registration of a criminal case against the minister for “forcing the man to commit suicide”.

The protesters demanded registration of a criminal case against the minister for “forcing the man to commit suicide”. (HT)

Cheema has categorically denied all charges, alleging a conspiracy to frame him. Led by Gulzar Singh Ranike, the members of the outfit held a protest at the Dirba Mandi following which they marched towards the minister’s office raising slogans.

Addressing the march, senior leaders Ranike and Darbara Singh Guru said, “We will not rest till Cheema is booked on abetment to suicide charges.” The leaders said the Dalit man’s only mistake was asking Cheema a question during a ‘lok milni’ on “why drugs were so easily available everywhere.” “The man was in mental agony as his son had become an addict and instead of trying to resolve the issue, the minister used local panchayat and police to pressure him following which he committed suicide,” they alleged.