In a dramatic political move, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab expelled Baljit Singh Chani, the Mayor of Moga, from the party last week. The party cited "concrete evidence of his links with drug traffickers" as the reason for his ouster. However, five days after the expulsion, the Punjab Police has not initiated any formal action, stating they have not received any official complaint against the former mayor.
The Allegations: A Bribe to Settle a Drug Courier Case
The controversy stems from a case registered at the Moga City police station on September 29. According to the FIR, an attempt was made to send 450 grams of opium to Canada concealed inside a box of sweets. The parcel was dropped at RK Couriers in Moga, but the sender fled. The consignment was addressed to Sirtaj Singh Kahlon in Calgary, and the sender was identified as Gulshanjit Kaur Kahlon, Sirtaj's mother and a former school principal.
Police later named Gulshanjit, Sirtaj's wife Mandeep Kaur, and their accomplices Manjit Singh and Kuldeep Kaur as accused. While the FIR was initially filed against unidentified persons on September 29, the Kahlon family was nominated on October 3. Notably, no arrests were made for nearly two months.
The political storm erupted when Gulshanjit Kaur Kahlon, described as an active BJP worker, allegedly claimed that Mayor Baljit Singh Chani took a Rs 5 lakh bribe from her to "settle" the drug case. She reportedly told AAP and BJP sources that she possessed photos and videos of Chani accepting the money.
Political Fallout and AAP's Swift Action
AAP acted swiftly upon learning of the allegations. On November 27, the party first suspended Chani and then expelled him on the same day. The party has maintained silence since releasing the two statements. In a telling response, Chani immediately stated, "Neither I have taken bribe, nor I will", which raised further questions.
Following the AAP's internal action, police arrests in the drug case began. Mandeep Kaur was arrested on November 26, a day before Chani's suspension. Manjit Singh and Kuldeep Kaur were arrested on November 30. Gulshanjit Kaur remains absconding, and a Look Out Circular (LOC) has been issued against her son, Sirtaj.
Chani, known for his social work including cremating unclaimed bodies, defended himself in a video statement on Facebook. He alleged he was a "victim of dirty politics" and claimed a BJP worker and former sarpanch, Maninder Kaur, conspired with the Kahlon family to frame him. He asserted he never took money to protect drug smugglers.
Police Inaction and Political Reactions
Despite AAP's claims of concrete evidence, the Punjab Police have not moved against Chani. Inspector Varun Kumar, SHO of Moga City-1 police station, confirmed, "We have not received any complaint against Chani yet." He explained the delayed arrests in the opium case were because the accused were absconding.
The political blame game has intensified. BJP's Moga district president, Dr Harjot Kamal, criticized AAP for acting in haste. "Chani was suspended by AAP in a hurried way without a thorough investigation... If there is evidence, it should be made public," he said, adding that the BJP would never protect a drug peddler.
AAP's Moga MLA, Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora, stated that only the police or party high command would know about further action. She claimed Chani was suspended after photos and videos "purportedly accepting money" were submitted to the party leadership.
In the aftermath, AAP elevated Parveen Kumar Sharma alias Peena, the senior deputy mayor, as Moga's officiating mayor. He will serve until the Municipal Corporation House elections due in February next year.
