ECI Takes Swift Action Against Tarn Taran's Top Police Official
In a dramatic development just three days before the crucial November 11 byelection, the Election Commission of India suspended Tarn Taran's first woman Senior Superintendent of Police Ravjot Kaur Grewal. The suspension came following a sharp public confrontation with Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal that escalated rapidly after a viral video emerged.
The suspension order was issued immediately after a video circulated widely on social media where Badal, while addressing a rally, directly targeted the police officer who had been in charge for only two months. In the controversial footage, Sukhbir Badal is clearly heard saying: "Bibi-ji, start counting your days."
Multiple Complaints and Immediate Consequences
The Election Commission not only suspended SSP Grewal but also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the first-information reports filed by Tarn Taran Police against Akali Dal members. The SAD had alleged these FIRs were politically motivated and aimed at influencing the election outcome.
Following the suspension, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar was assigned the additional charge of Tarn Taran SSP, ensuring continuity in police administration during the sensitive election period.
The suspension represented the culmination of multiple formal complaints filed by the Shiromani Akali Dal, which accused SSP Grewal of acting as a "polling agent" for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. The allegations included registering false cases, intimidating Akali workers, and conducting illegal detentions.
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed gratitude for the Election Commission's prompt action, claiming it had successfully thwarted what he described as AAP's "gambit to influence the bypoll by misusing the police force." The SAD president characterized Grewal's conduct as "criminally partisan" and demanded a formal inquiry along with disciplinary action that could include dismissal from service.
Meanwhile, speaking to media after paying obeisance at the Golden Temple for the welfare of Punjab's people, Sukhbir also addressed recent controversial statements made by Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. He condemned Warring's comments as "unfortunate and irresponsible" for a Member of Parliament and suggested the individual was not deserving of his position.
This statement followed multiple controversies involving Warring, including accusations of making casteist remarks against former Union home minister Buta Singh, allegedly insulting the Mazhabi Sikh community, and claims of desecrating Sikh symbols during campaigning. The latter allegation had drawn a formal police complaint from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Concluding his remarks, Sukhbir Badal asserted that Punjab had fallen behind over the past decade due to political instability and other factors, emphasizing the urgent need for a new wave of development with what he described as "the blessings of Guru Sahib."
