Arms,arguments mark Sahit Akademy polls

Sirsa,who won the post of general secretary by a thin margin,said: “My brother was shot dead recently near Moga,after which the police had given us security. My nephew,son-in-law and I have personal security guards. The arms that we carried were licensed and we deposited the same with the police.”

He added that throughout the day,DSP Prithipal Singh,who is posted in Raikot and related to Gurbhajan Gill,was seen roaming inside the Akademy with some boys who were carrying arms. “These boys and the DSP were trying to intimidate our voters. Later in the day,my relatives,who are patrons of this Akademy,came to our rescue. Moreover,the environment created during the day did not befit Sahit Akademy elections,” he said.

Jagraon SSP H S Chahal,under whose jurisdiction Raikot falls,said: “DSP Singh was on a VIP duty in Ludhiana. I had no information about his presence at the Akademy,though I know he is a relative of Gurbhajan Gill. I will look into the matter.” Meanwhile,Gill,who was elected to the post of president,said: “I know Sirsa and his family have been given these arms for self-protection. A live cartridge was found in the garbage this morning. But the bottom line is that is such behaviour does not suit us,and moreover Sirsa and I have to work as a team now. If someone from my side said something derogatory to Sirsa and his supporters,I apologise and condemn it.”