Badal govt shielding culprits in Dhadrianwale case: Channi

Congress Legislature Party leader Charanjit Singh Channi today accused the Parkash Singh Badal government of "shielding real culprits" of the attack on Sikh preacher Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale on May 17.
He alleged it is "known" that the vehicles and weapons used in the crime are "registered against the name of Damdami Takshal", and this may have "long term impact" on peace in the state.
In other cases, the police would have immediately nabbed persons for allowing use of their vehicles for a crime, Channi said.
"However, it is shocking that the efforts are on to divert investigation (in this case)," he said, citing media reports quoting police sources that the attackers had no intention to kill anybody and that the firing was started by Dhadrianwale's associates.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal met the Sikh preacher and assured him of quick justice.
"Now after these information in the public domain, the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister are visiting the preacher just to gain publicity and tell the people of Punjab about their seriousness in the matter," he said.

Unidentified assailants had on May 17 opened fire at the cavalcade of Dhadrianwale in which he had a narrow escape but his aide Bhupinder Singh Khalsa was shot dead.
Channi accused the CM and the deputy CM of "intentionally" spoiling the peaceful atmosphere because of "personal motives".

He alleged the deras and preachers were being targeted by criminals enjoying government patronage.
He said the culprits in the case were on TV yesterday "owning up to everything" and their "disclosure pointed to the person who could be involved in the attacks".