MLA, his supporters breach Dhussi Bandh in Kapurthala, booked

On the basis of the complaint from the drainage department, a case has been registered under Section 70 of the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873, and Sections 277, 426, and 430 of the Indian Penal Code.

On Friday evening, Rana and several of his supporters gathered at Bharoana village. Although police officials were present, the MLA and his supporters proceeded to cut the bandh using an earth-moving machine. The process took nearly five hours and the bandh breach was completed by midnight.

Justifying his action the MLA said that he did it for the benefit of the people as there was no other way to provide relief to them. With this the water level in the affected villages came down, he added. About the FIR against him, the MLA told the media that he was not worried about it when he is working for the welfare of the people.

Speaking to reporters, Sajjan Singh Cheema, the AAP constituency in-charge who contested the election from Sultanpur Lodhi, said, “It is cheap politics.” He said several barrages were opened to let the accumulated water of the Sutlej into the Beas, but still this illegal act was committed. If tomorrow water gets accumulated in the Beas, then it can come towards these villages because of this illegal breach in Dhussi Bandh, he added.

It is learnt that there was a road on the bandh, and with this breach the supply of relief material to about five villages got stopped.