Chandigarh, June 20 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Saturday alleged that the Punjab Police violated court directions and acted under political pressure when he appeared at a police station in connection with a case related to party worker Jobanpreet Singh.

Majithia said he had informed the authorities in advance and arrived at the Majitha police station in compliance with court orders to join the investigation. However, he claimed the police did not allow anyone, including his lawyers, to enter the premises for several hours, even though his appearance complied with judicial directions.

He alleged that the police shut all the station’s gates and attempted to create an unnecessary atmosphere of confrontation. He maintained that only his lawyers were present with him, and no party workers or supporters had accompanied him.

His legal team questioned the police officials present at the scene about the closure of the gates and the refusal to allow them to accompany their client. Lawyers alleged that the police ignored established legal norms and prevented advocates from entering the police station.

After a prolonged wait and repeated objections, Majithia eventually entered the police station alone to join the investigation. His legal team alleged that he was effectively deprived of his legal rights and expressed apprehension that the police could engage in illegal and unconstitutional actions in their absence.

The lawyers warned the police to adhere to court directions and legal procedures, stating that every development during the investigation would be brought to the court’s attention. They also said they would raise the issue of alleged police high-handedness and non-compliance with court orders before the judiciary.

Speaking to the media before joining the investigation, Majithia said the government and the Chief Minister were under the misconception that they could silence him through the police machinery. He asserted that he had never bowed before government pressure and would not do so in the future, adding that he would not be intimidated.

Majithia further alleged that under the leadership of what he termed a “temporary DGP”, the police were openly disregarding court directions. He claimed Punjab was being turned into a “police state” and accused the government of using investigations for political purposes.

–IANS

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