Why Is Lawrence Bishnoi Being Protected in Gujarat Jail? Why Isn’t He Handed Over to States Where Cases Are Pending Against Him, Asks Harpal Cheema
Anyone Disturbing Law and Order in Punjab Will Face Strict Action, No One is Above the Law
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Reacting strongly to the recent murder of a businessman in Abohar, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of openly shielding gangsters and attempting to destabilize non-BJP state governments through violence and fear tactics. Cheema alleged that several top BJP leaders, from Punjab to Delhi, were seen defending the accused instead of standing with the victim.
“In the Abohar businessman murder case, the moment strict action was taken against the accused, many big BJP leaders began to panic,” Cheema said. “From Delhi to Punjab, BJP leaders were seen siding with the criminals who murdered the businessman. Why is this protection being offered to gangsters?”
Cheema raised serious questions over the protection being given to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Gujarat, a BJP-ruled state for the past 30 years. “Who took Lawrence Bishnoi to Gujarat and why is he being safeguarded there? The BJP seems to be protecting him so that he can be used to create unrest in states ruled by opposition parties,” Cheema charged.
He further claimed that gangsters were being used to target businessmen and spread terror in society. “In states where the BJP is not in power, they are using criminals and gangsters to disturb peace. This is a dangerous conspiracy against the nation’s federal structure and law and order,” he said.
Responding to BJP leaders' allegations that the police encounter was staged, Cheema said, “Some BJP ministers in Delhi called the encounter fake. But the people of Punjab know the truth. The Aam Aadmi Party government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will take strict action against anyone who tries to disrupt peace in the state.”
Cheema appealed to the Union Government and the Gujarat Government to immediately transfer Lawrence Bishnoi to the states and courts where cases are registered against him. “Why has he not been presented before the courts in Punjab and other states where FIRs are filed against him? Why is Gujarat sheltering him? The people of this country deserve answers,” he added.
Cheema warned that the BJP has lost faith in democracy and is now trying to replace politics with violence. “It seems BJP is preparing to become a party of goons. They are not interested in democracy, but only in creating chaos in opposition-ruled states.”
He reaffirmed that the Mann-led government will not allow Punjab’s hard-earned peace to be disturbed. “Punjab is the land of gurus and saints. Our people know how to fight enemies and protect their harmony. The people of Punjab are watching, and they will not forgive those who try to play politics over the murder of an innocent businessman.”
Cheema concluded, “We will ensure that every individual who breaks the law or tries to shield criminals is brought to justice. No one is above the law in Punjab.”