Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Tuesday ruled out a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the May 17 attack on Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale near Ludhiana.
“Punjab Police are taking action in the case and have arrested many accused involved in the attack. Therefore, there is no point in handing over the case to the CBI,” said Badal while talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of a sangat darshan near Nurpur Bedi.
Dhadrianwale is pressing for a CBI probe into the attack in which his close aide Bhupinder Singh was killed. On Monday, preacher’s supporters had submitted memorandums to deputy commissioners across the state, demanding an inquiry by the central probe agency.
Read: Dhadrianwale demands CBI probe; says he has no faith in police inquiry
Responding to a question on the ongoing tussle between Dhadrianwale and Damdami Taksal head Harnam Singh Dhumma, Badal urged both sides to maintain peace and harmony.
On law and order situation in the state, the chief minister said there was no unrest and the situation in the state was far better that other states. “An isolated incident here and there should not be construed as serious law and order problem,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}On law and order situation in the state, the chief minister said there was no unrest and the situation in the state was far better that other states. “An isolated incident here and there should not be construed as serious law and order problem,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}Read: Dhadrianwale followers hold marches seeking CBI probe into Ludhiana attack
Badal failed to give a satisfactory reply to a question on unabated illegal mining in the Nurpur Bedi area, saying directions had been issued to the authorities to curb the menace.
Allaying apprehensions of revival of militancy in Punjab, Badal said the people of Punjab don’t support elements that want to disturb peace in the state.
The chief minister also distributed cheques worth `2.11 crore to 68 panchayats for development works.
NO EARLY POLLS: CM
Badal dismissed any possibility of early assembly elections in Punjab, saying the state would go to polls as per schedule. “The elections will be held in 2017 as scheduled,” he said while replying to a query.