In a major reversal, the Khanna police have declared that the attempt-to-murder case filed six months ago by Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) leader Jaswant Singh Cheema was a fabricated story. Cheema, originally the complainant, has now been named an accused, and his associate Laddi Rathod has been arrested. Cheema is currently absconding.
Police Reveal Conspiracy Behind Alleged Attack
SSP Darpan Ahluwalia told a press conference in Khanna that on January 25, Cheema, a resident of Sekhewal village, lodged an FIR claiming two bike-borne youths fired at him. He alleged that on January 24, while driving his Innova toward Gurthali Bridge on the main highway, the assailants attempted to kill him. Cheema named Guneet Bhatia of GTB Nagar, Jalandhar, and Chandan Bhanot of Guru Nanakpura, Jalandhar, as the perpetrators.
However, investigation revealed no empty shell casings at the alleged scene, and no witnesses confirmed the incident. CCTV footage from Doraha to Ludhiana showed Cheema stopping on a deserted road near Ajnaud village, where his mobile phone was switched off. He later arrived at Doraha police station with accomplice Laddi Rathod to report the incident.
Financial Dispute and False Property Deal Exposed
Ahluwalia stated that the investigation uncovered a financial dispute between Cheema and the named individuals over property dealings. Cheema had allegedly colluded with associates to cheat Guneet and Chandan of crores of rupees through a fraudulent property sale. When the victims demanded their money back, Cheema conspired to file a false case.
According to the SSP, Guneet and Chandan provided evidence that Cheema and his associates had taken crores from them in a fake property deal. To pressure them, Cheema fired at his own vehicle using his licensed pistol and then registered the false attempt-to-murder case. Police have seized his licensed pistol, a magazine, and an empty shell.
Laddi Rathod Arrested; Cheema Absconding
After Cheema's role came under scrutiny, Laddi Rathod was arrested. Interrogation revealed that Laddi, Cheema, and their associates defrauded the victims of crores of rupees. Cheema's mobile phone location data also raised suspicion, as Laddi's phone was traced to his Ludhiana home at the time of the alleged incident.
Sources indicate that Cheema was previously expelled from SAD (A) after a criminal case was registered against him. He later joined Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) and was appointed Sahnewal halqa in-charge. Following this development, he may face similar expulsion.
