Mohali witnessed a major political controversy on Sunday, the last day of campaigning for the municipal corporation elections, when a Scorpio SUV allegedly carrying liquor crates and a police uniform was intercepted during a roadshow led by Congress candidate Kanwarbir Singh Ruby Sidhu.
Drama Unfolds
The incident triggered high drama as Congress workers surrounded the vehicle, claiming to have discovered multiple liquor crates inside. Senior leaders, including former Punjab minister Balbir Singh Sidhu and ex-mayor Amarjit Singh Jiti Sidhu, rushed to the spot as tensions escalated. Party workers alleged that the vehicle, bearing a Mohali registration number, was being used to influence voters.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported that three to four occupants fled after the SUV was intercepted, though one youth was caught and handed over to police. During inspection, four crates of Blenders Pride and one crate of 100 Pipers whisky were allegedly recovered. Additionally, a Sub-Inspector's uniform with the nameplate Balwinder Singh Jhansal and a police sticker were found, intensifying suspicion.
Political Accusations
Congress leaders accused an Independent candidate of orchestrating the episode, alleging an attempt to vitiate the poll atmosphere. The candidate denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated, and counter-accused Congress of distributing liquor, claiming he had already approached the Election Commission.
Police Action
DSP City-1 Gurcharan Singh Waraich arrived at the scene with a police team. The vehicle and liquor were seized, and one youth was detained for questioning. Police stated that no formal complaint had been filed by either side so far, and further action would follow the investigation. The incident kept the area on edge until late evening, with Congress demanding a fair probe and strict action.
