CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government has withdrawn the Z-plus security cover of senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia. He is the brother-in-law of Sukhbir Singh Badal, the former president of SAD.
Sources said that orders were given to withdraw all 35 security personnel and vehicles assigned to Majithia. The security personnel were instructed to leave the city where Majithia was visiting with his family and report back to their parent units immediately. Since he was in another state at the time, only one police officer, who had been with him for a long time, was left for his security.
It was also reported that officials were instructed to take photographs of the security personnel upon their return to their battalions and send them to senior officers. Until recently, there were discussions about increasing security at Majithia's residence in Chandigarh. Proposed measures included raising the height of the perimeter walls, installing barbed wires, and setting up a net to block any grenade attacks.
Majithia received Z-plus security in 2010.
Badal strongly criticized the AAP government for withdrawing Majithia’s security. He said, "Withdrawal of the entire Z+ security cover of Bikram Singh Majithia confirms beyond doubt the dangerous and deadly designs of the AAP government against the SAD leadership." He further alleged, "This decision has to be seen alongside the massive 'witch-hunt' launched by the AAP government against Majithia."
He also brought up an attack on his life outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar last December by Narain Singh Chaura. He claimed, "Withdrawal of security to Majithia has to be seen with the government's complicity in the failed lethal attempt on my life - an attempt foiled only with divine intervention of Guru Sahiban."
Majithia condemned the state government for withdrawing his security. He said, "When they failed in silencing my voice, they withdrew my security on the evening of March 29."
The SAD leader also claimed that the Punjab Police has formed a new special investigation team (SIT) to probe the drug case against him. This is the fifth SIT formed since 2021 to investigate the case.
Sources said the Punjab Police has again replaced the head of the SIT and two other members. The Director, Bureau of Investigation, issued orders on March 31, stating that the reshuffle was for administrative reasons. The new SIT will be led by Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Varun Sharma. The other two members are Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhimanyu Rana and Superintendent of Police (SP) (NRI Wing) Patiala, Gurbans Singh Bains.
Previously, the SIT was headed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ropar Range Harcharan Singh Bhullar, while the other two officers remained the same. Before Bhullar, Varun Sharma had also headed the SIT. This is the first time an AIG-rank officer has been appointed to lead the SIT, whereas all previous teams were led by officers of DIG rank or higher.