‘Blades, electric shocks, paraded naked’: Sikh youth’s torture allegation shakes Punjab | Chandigarh News
CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday alleged that a Sikh youth was tortured and humiliated after speaking out against the drug menace and the Punjab government’s functioning, and demanded action against those responsible.In a strongly worded post on X, former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal questioned the treatment of the youth, alleging that he was targeted after openly protesting against Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party government.“This is the same boy who just yesterday was openly protesting,” she said, alleging that he was electrocuted, beaten and subjected to humiliation, including the removal of his turban and manhandling of his beard.Calling the alleged incident “unpardonable”, Harsimrat alleged that the dignity and integrity of the Sikh youth had been attacked and said the SAD would stand by him and his family.“The Shiromani Akali Dal stands firmly with the boy and his family and will extend all help for his recovery. We will also take this matter to court,” she said.SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal also condemned the alleged incident and urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene.According to Sukhbir Badal, the youth had earlier staged a protest from atop a roof in Shero village in Sunam while a public relations event involving chief minister Bhagwant Mann was underway.“This is what AAP Punjab did to a Punjabi Sikh boy who dared to speak the truth about the drug menace in Punjab,” Sukhbir Badal alleged in his post on X.He alleged that the youth was stripped, beaten and electrocuted, while his turban and beard were manhandled. Sukhbir further alleged that the youth’s thighs were cut with blades and salt was rubbed into his wounds.The SAD chief also alleged that the youth was beaten for more than an hour with wet footwear and later paraded naked, while his mother and sisters were abused in public view.Calling the alleged treatment unacceptable, Sukhbir Badal said, “Punjab cannot, and will not be silenced like this,” while demanding immediate intervention by the NHRC.The allegations have added to the ongoing political confrontation in Punjab, with opposition parties targeting the Aam Aadmi Party government over a range of issues. The claims made by the SAD leaders could not be independently verified.
