Punjab News: Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of Shiromani Akali Dal and former Punjab Deputy CM, was intercepted by the police near Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali. He was reportedly en route for a spiritual visit, accompanied by senior leaders Sikander Singh Maluka, Parambans Singh Romana, Youth Akali Dal’s Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer, and others. Despite their claims of religious intentions, the entire convoy was detained. Police swiftly moved them to Phase-11 Police Station and later shifted them to Chandigarh. The Akali Dal called it undemocratic and a suppression of opposition voices.
Security Tightens at Mohali Court
The Mohali Court Complex turned into a fortress as security was significantly ramped up ahead of Majithia’s scheduled court appearance. Sources confirmed that even court staff were denied access despite valid ID proof. The lockdown extended to media personnel, limiting coverage from inside the court. Security agencies cited potential law and order concerns as justification. However, opposition parties alleged it was a pretext to keep Akali leaders away from the spotlight moment.
540-Crore Case at Core
Bikram Singh Majithia was arrested on June 25 in connection with an alleged 540 crore drug money laundering case. He was sent to seven-day Vigilance Bureau remand the following day. As his remand concluded Wednesday, he was to be produced before the Mohali court again. His legal team has already moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking cancellation of the remand order and declaring his arrest unlawful. The High Court is scheduled to hear the plea on July 3.
Spiritual Visit or Protest Plan?
While SAD leaders repeatedly claimed their visit to Mohali was purely spiritual, police sources argued otherwise. They believed the Akali convoy's timing and direction posed a potential security threat during Majithia’s sensitive court appearance. Akali Dal leaders maintained they had no rally or protest planned. Still, their sudden detention triggered political uproar, with party supporters taking to social media to criticize the state government’s tactics.
Political Storm Brews Again
This incident has reignited political tensions in Punjab, particularly around the use of police power against opposition leaders. Sukhbir Badal's detention, combined with court lockdown, has amplified SAD’s charge of vendetta politics. The party is expected to escalate its campaign against the state government in the coming days. Leaders suggest a “larger design” behind targeting both Majithia and senior leadership simultaneously. The drama hints at a deeper strategic play ahead of future state movements.
Majithia’s Fate Hangs in Balance
The legal and political saga is far from over. With the Punjab & Haryana High Court set to take up Majithia’s petition on July 3, all eyes are on the judiciary now. If the remand is overturned, it could deal a blow to the Vigilance Bureau’s case. Meanwhile, SAD is likely to intensify public outreach and political messaging. As the state watches closely, the coming weeks may shape the Akali Dal’s next move in Punjab politics.
