Clash at Malout SDM complex during nomination scrutiny, Congress stages protest

A clash erupted at the SDM Office Complex in Malout town on Monday, during which the turban of the Congress block president was tossed in the air. The issue arose during the scrutiny of nomination papers.

Congress activists alleged that Arsh Sidhu, personal assistant (PA) of local MLA and Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur, orchestrated the violence and was also carrying a pistol.

Later, PPCC president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring reached the spot and met the local SDM over the issue. Meanwhile, Congress activists began a protest there, demanding that a case be registered against the AAP activists, including the Cabinet Minister’s PA.

Warring demanded registration of an attempt to murder case and called for a probe into the minister’s PA, allegedly carrying a weapon.

He also alleged that the DSP of Malout was present at the scene when the incident took place but failed to intervene. However, the DSP denied the allegation.

Warring further asked Congress activists to stage a protest outside the police station, saying that he would join them later.

“If the police fail to register a case in this regard, we will block the highway on Tuesday,” said Warring, adding that the SDM had informed him that the nomination papers of all Congress candidates were found to be correct