Badal meets Dhadrianwale, assures speedy probe

Patiala, May 22: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today met Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, who was attacked recently, and assured him of quick dispensation of justice.

Badal met with Dhadrianwale for almost 25 minutes at Gurudwara Parmeshar Dwar, and told him that an inquiry has already been instituted by state government to get to the bottom of the case.

Unidentified assailants had opened fire at the cavalcade of Dhadrianwale on May 17 in which he had a narrow escape, but his aide Bhupinder Singh Khalsa was shot dead. Badal informed the preacher that police have nabbed eight persons allegedly involved in this incident so far.

All other culprits responsible would also soon be brought to book, he said. The Chief Minister said the dastardly act must be condemned by one and all in the strictest possible words, but refused to comment on the investigation.

On the Congress' demand for a special session on law and order in Punjab Assembly, Badal said it wouldn't serve any meaningful purpose.

Underscoring a commitment to maintain law and order in the state, he said peace and communal harmony were on top of his government's agenda.

He appealed to all opposition parties to maintain restraint over the "sensitive issue", as any "irresponsible or unwarranted utterances" meant for politicking could jeopardise the congenial atmosphere in the state.

PTI