Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday met the Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, who was attacked recently, and assured him of quick dispensation of justice.
Badal met with Dhadrianwale for almost 25 minutes at Gurudwara Parmeshar Dwar, and told him that an inquiry has already been instituted by the state government to get to the bottom of the case.
Unidentified assailants had opened fire at the cavalcade of Dhadrianwale on May 17 in which he had a narrow escape, but his aide Bhupinder Singh Khalsa was shot dead.
Badal informed the preacher that police have nabbed eight people allegedly involved in this incident so far. All other culprits responsible would also soon be brought to book, he said.
The Chief Minister said that the dastardly act must be condemned by one and all in the strictest possible words, but refused to comment on the investigation.
Asked to comment on the progress of the enquiry in the said case, Badal said that it would be absolutely unethical and improper to say something and make any observation especially in the capacity of Chief Minister, which might influence or hamper the enquiry at this crucial stage.
On the Congress’ demand for a special session on law and order in Punjab assembly, Badal said that it wouldn’t serve any meaningful purpose.
Underscoring a commitment to maintain law and order in the state, he said that peace and communal harmony were on top of his government’s agenda.
He appealed to all opposition parties to maintain restraint over the “sensitive issue”, as any “irresponsible or unwarranted utterances” meant for politicking could jeopardize the congenial atmosphere in the state.