Massive protest outside Amarinder Singh residence: Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal detained

Chandigarh, June 15: Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has been detained by Punjab Police during a protest outside the residence of CM Captain Amarinder Singh in Siswan.

The SAD leaders are protesting demanding an immediate dismissal of Health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu besides institution of a CBI probe into the alleged vaccine and "Fateh" kit scandals.

Police used water cannons to disperse Shiromani Akali Dal and BSP leaders and workers when they were forcing their way to ''gherao'' the residence of Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh here.

Initially, scores of Akali and BSP protesters forced their way through the first layer of barricades. Police used water cannons when protesters tried to cross the second layer of barricades.

In the melee, turbans of several protesters were tossed aside as police resorted to water cannons.

Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Satinder Singh was also present at the spot.

BSP state president Jasbir Singh Garhi was also present at the protest. Several Akali leaders, including Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia, were detained by police.

It was the first joint protest of the SAD and BSP, days after both the parties had stitched an alliance for the 2022 Punjab Assembly polls.

"If a storm rises, Captain won't be able to stop it, even if he uses all his force. There is scam in vaccination, there is scam in Fateh Kit, there is scam in SC scholarship, farmers' land is being acquired," Sukhbir Singh Badal told reporters before getting detained.

A 'Fateh kit' contains a pulse oxymeter, a thermometer, face masks, a steamer, sanitisers, vitamin C and zinc tablets and some other medicines for COVID-19 patients.