A social media influencer from Punjab, set to be released on bail, was arrested on January 21 in connection with a snatching case filed against him the previous month. This move prompted accusations that he was being targeted by the police due to his criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Kaka Sidhu, also known as Bhana Singh Sidhu, had been in judicial custody following his arrest in an extortion case. He was accused of blackmailing a woman who operates a travel agency in Ludhiana's Model Town area and demanding Rs 10,000 from her.
Just before his scheduled release, Punjab Police detained him in connection with a snatching case registered against him the previous year. Sidhu was remanded to police custody until January 29. On January 20, the Patiala Sadar police charged Sidhu with various offenses, including theft, following a complaint by Patiala resident Tejpreet. Tejpreet reported that on December 21, 2023, he was attacked and robbed of his gold chain by individuals in a car while returning to Patiala. He claimed to have recognised Sidhu among them.
Sidhu, a close associate of gangster-turned-activist Lakha Sidhana, alleged that he was subjected to torture while in police custody. Sidhana claimed that Sidhu had been falsely implicated in cases due to his criticism of the Punjab CM and his government. Sidhana, who unsuccessfully contested the 2022 Assembly elections from Maur, voiced his support for Sidhu.