Punjab

Punjab FM Cheema accuses BJP of 'protecting' gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Gujarat jail

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday accused the BJP of "shielding" gangsters in an attempt to "destabilize" the states not ruled by it through "violence". Referring to the recent murder of Abohar businessman Sanjay Verma, Cheema alleged that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who was in a jail in Gujarat under the state government's "protection", was behind the killing. "Why he (Bishnoi) has been given the protection and why has he been kept in jail?" he asked. "Who took Lawrence Bishnoi to Gujarat and why is he being safeguarded there? The BJP seems to be protecting him so that he can be used to create unrest in states ruled by opposition parties," Cheema alleged. He further alleged that gangsters were being used to target businessmen and spread fear in society. "In states where the BJP is not in power, they are using criminals and gangsters to disturb peace. This is a dangerous conspiracy against the nation's federal structure and law and order," he charged. Verma, a co-owner of the 'New Wear Well Gents Tailor' showroom, was gunned down by three assailants in broad daylight near Bhagat Singh Chowk, a bustling commercial area in Abohar on July 7.

Following his murder, the opposition parties attacked the AAP government, alleging that the law and order had "collapsed". Cheema appealed to the Centre and the Gujarat government to immediately transfer Bishnoi to the states and courts where cases are registered against him. "Why has he not been presented before the courts in Punjab and other states where FIRs are filed against him? Why is Gujarat sheltering him? The people of this country deserve answers," he said. Cheema said the BJP has lost faith in democracy and is now trying to "replace politics with violence". He reaffirmed that Bhagwant Mann-led government would not allow Punjab's hard-earned peace to be disturbed. "Punjab is the land of gurus and saints. Our people know how to fight enemies and protect their harmony. The people of Punjab are watching and they will not forgive those who try to play politics over the murder of an innocent businessman," said Cheema.