2 Punjab MLAs arrested

Two independent MLAs, both
brothers, were arrested for allegedly indulging in illegal mining at Churwal village near here, police said today.
Balwinder Singh Bains and his younger brother Simarjit Singh Bains, who had launched a campaign for mobilising public support against sand mafia in the state last week, were arrested today and put behind bars, police said.
With their supporters, the MLAs reached the banks of river Sutlej near village Churwal, about 25 kms from here, and started illegal mining, Ludhiana Police Commissioner Promod Ban said.
However, Simarjit said that they started taking out sand from the river bed so as to distribute it to poor in the state free of cost.

He also alleged that the illegal sand mining is taking place "under the patronage" of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal.

Ban said that both have been arrested under various sections of the IPC ,including illegal mining of sand, theft, damaging public property and apprehension of breach of peace.
Trolleys and tippers laden with sand were recovered from the spot, police said adding that they not only mined the sand illegally and filled the vehicles, but also raised slogans against the government.
Earlier the Bains brothers had announced to launch a movement in the state against illegal mining from April 20.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Amarinder Singh condemned the "arbitrary" arrest of two Ludhiana MLAs, saying the Akali-BJP combine government was trying to stifle the voice of opposition.
In a statement, Amarinder said that it is sad that instead of taking serious note of the issues (of illegal mining) being raised by the two MLAs and talking to them, police had arrested them.
"Those who are trying to muzzle the voice of people are bound to be taught a firm lesson by the same people", he remarked.