Two members of SFJ held from Delhi over pro-Khalistan graffiti
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has arrested two members allegedly linked to Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) for allegedly writing pro-Khalistan slogans at two locations in Delhi before the Republic Day, an official said on Thursday.
The accused have been identified as Baljinder, an ambulance driver in Delhi, and his associate Rohit alias Kirth, he said.
According to the police, the duo allegedly acted at the behest of Canada-based SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who promised them Rs 2 lakh to deface public places by writing graffiti in a bid to disturb communal harmony and create unrest in the city days before January 26.
"The accused wrote some pro-Khalistan graffiti at two separate locations in Delhi just before the Republic Day," a senior police officer said.
Investigations revealed that the conspiracy was allegedly hatched from Canada, where a close associate of Pannun coordinated with the accused, the officer said. The handler allegedly recruited Baljinder and Rohit for the job and remained in touch with them through encrypted communication platforms.
During questioning, Baljinder disclosed that he was lured by the promise of money and logistical support, while Rohit assisted him in identifying locations and executing the act, police said.
"The police are continuing to search for more people connected to Pannun and his network," the officer said.
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West Bengal: EC orders suspension of joint BDO ahead of polls
Kolkata (PTI): The Election Commission on Friday ordered the immediate suspension of a joint block development officer (BDO) in poll-bound West Bengal and directed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against her.
The poll body, however, did not mention the grounds for the action.
In a letter to the chief secretary of West Bengal, the poll panel said the action against Jyotsna Khatun, the joint BDO of Purba Bardhaman district's Khandaghosh, is based on a recommendation from the chief electoral officer of the state.
"The commission has agreed to the proposal and directs that Jyotsna Khatun be suspended and disciplinary action be initiated against her immediately," the EC stated in its letter to the West Bengal chief secretary.
Khatun had been notified as the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) for the 259-Khandaghosh Assembly Constituency.
The poll panel has asked authorities to implement the order "with immediate effect" and submit a compliance report by 11 am of Saturday.
The letter also instructed the authorities to urgently propose a replacement for the vacant post.
