In the midst of a brewing conflict, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit has penned yet another letter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, requesting a comprehensive report on the recent transfer of the Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the allegations of illegal mining against a local legislator from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The Governor's communication comes in the wake of the sudden transfer of a senior IPS officer Gurmeet Singh Chauhan from his position as the district police chief in Tarn Taran — a move that followed his ordering the arrest of 10 individuals in connection with an ‘illegal' mining case. Among those detained was the brother-in-law of AAP MLA representing Khadoor Sahib constituency Manjinder Singh Lalpura.
Governor Purohit articulated his concerns to the Chief Minister in his letter, stating, “I have been reading contradictory reports in the media regarding the allegations of an MLA about corruption in the police, the involvement of the MLA’s close relatives in illegal mining at night, the suspension of police officers, and the subsequent transfer of the Senior Superintendent of Police Tarn Taran.”
Highlighting the significance of the illegal mining issue in Punjab, the Governor emphasized that corruption was rampant in this sector. He pointed out that certain media reports suggested that a police team had uncovered illegal mining activity during the night in the Tarn Taran district, with a close relative of an MLA allegedly involved. These reports further indicated that the police personnel involved in the raid were subsequently suspended, and the SSP was transferred.
Given the attention drawn by media reports, the Governor expressed his desire for a comprehensive report that covers the allegations made by the MLA, the illegal mining activities, and the actions taken against police officials.
The transfer of SSP Gurmeet Chauhan came after MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura posted allegations of corruption within the Tarn Taran police department on social media. In his Facebook post, the MLA threatened to withdraw his security after police arrested his relative, Nishan Singh, in connection with an illegal mining case.
Governor Purohit has been exchanging several letters with the Chief Minister in recent times, reflecting an ongoing rift between the state’s two constitutional and legislative heads.
In his social media post, Lalpura accused the police of registering fake cases and fabricating reports of serious injuries. He also alleged that officers were accepting bribes for registering false cases in Tarn Taran.
The controversy began when MLA Lalpura raised allegations against the Tarn Taran SSP Gurmeet Chauhan. In response to the MLA's accusations, SSP Chauhan had denied any wrongdoing and declined to provide a response, stating that the allegations were baseless. He mentioned that senior officials would address the matter, and he emphasized that his actions had been routine and not influenced by any external factors.
The police team had received information during the night that illegal mining was taking place in Bhel Dhaiwala, which led to the arrest of 13 individuals, including a relative of the legislator. SSP Chauhan maintained that this was a routine operation conducted in response to a credible tip-off.
Days later, SSP Chauhan was transferred, which was accompanied by a heartfelt farewell with police personnel saluting him and showering flower petals as he departed in a flower-bedecked vehicle.
The Issue
AAP MLA Lalpura had leveled serious allegations of corruption and misuse of power against Tarn Taran SSP Chauhan, accusing the IPS officer of “orchestrating” a fake case against one of his relatives. He had also announced his decision to surrender the security cover provided by the Punjab Police. Taking to social media to express his grievances, Lalpura said: “SSP, I thought you were associated with criminals, but now it seems you're also a coward. Wait for the response to what your police servants did to my relative.”
Referring to a recent warning from the SSP about MLA’s security, Lalpura added, “Regarding your last night’s warning…about what an MLA can do if gangsters come after him. I accept your challenge. I am returning my police security. You have an open field to do what you want with me…Your man from the CIA (Crime Investigation Agency) was drunk and told me that he gives you (SSP) Rs 25 lakh per month. I then realized why a drug addict like him was appointed to the CIA.”
Lalpura went on to claim that the SSP was pressuring someone to implicate him in a case, stating, “I have also come to know that you are forcing someone to name me in a case. I welcome the fake case registration against my relative. Only a coward uses a proxy to take on the enemy. You keep your uniform aside, and I’ll keep my MLA’s chair aside, then we’ll see who wins. Moreover, even today, I will repeat that nothing works here without bribing the Tarn Taran police…But we won't pay bribes and will still get the work done.”