CHANDIGARH: A video showing former Akali MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha “threatening” deputy commissioner of Tarn Taran and police officials for harassing party workers went viral on the internet, prompting the ruling Congress to condemn the incident. In the video purportedly recorded in June 12, Valtoha could be heard saying, “I warn deputy commissioner Tarn Taran that if he made any mistake in future, we would not spare him.”
He said he had made a note of several cases in which Akali workers were allegedly harassed at the command of the Congress-led government. Valtoha targeted police officials, alleging that the Station House Officers found harassing any Akali worker in future would face consequences. “I have noted down the names of SHOs and I have told party leaders to reveal the names of the SHOs or any other employee harassing them. Then, I will see them.” When contacted, the MLA showed no remorse, saying it was just a warning. “It was not a threat, it was just a warning to DC and cops for discriminating against Akalis on the directions of Congress leaders.”
He blamed the DC of being involved in dissolving the Nagar Council in his constituency. “Panchayat lands in my area are being given to Congress workers for farming without getting any auction done,” Valtoha said. Congress MLAs, meanwhile, hit out at Valtoha, saying he appeared to be in the “hangover of the 10 years of Akali high-handedness”.
In a joint statement, Congress MLAs from Tarn Taran said, “The record of all your omissions and commissions is ready to be revealed and you will not only stand exposed before the public but will be held accountable and answerable to the law of the land.”
