Jaitu (Faridkot) – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member and RTI activist Harish Chander, was allegedly beaten and brutally assaulted on Saturday late night by a gang of about 10 people, in Jaitu town of Faridkot.
Harish Chander, about 45, suffered multiple fractures in the legs and head injuries. Doctors at the Jaitu Civil Hospital referred him to a private hospital in Amritsar this morning. He is being operated upon and is unconscious.
According to reports by media, the victim had exposed several scandals in the Jaitu Municipal Council and had reportedly distributed some posters to generate awareness among residents of Jaitu in view of the ensuing municipal elections a few days ago.
Ashwani Kumar, brother of Harish Chander alleged that,“My brother was attacked by a group of at least 10 persons as he went out for a stroll after dinner. We suspect that henchmen of local politicians are behind the crime.”
“He could identify the assaulters but so far he is unable to record his statement,” Ashvani said.
Harish had also raised suspicion on the alleged overcharging on fuel and the cost of repair of Rs 3lakh on the official vehicle of the MC.
Gurjant Singh, president of the People Rights Awareness Service Society, alleged that they had been receiving threats ever since they had exposed “pilferage” of municipal council funds.
According to TNS Media, Dr Harish was falsely implicated in several cases after he exposed the nexus between certain police officials and Akali leaders in a mining racket.
Jaitu Deputy superintendent of police, Gurjeet Singh Romana said a police team had been sent to Amritsar to record the victim’s statement. Kultar Singh, AAP spokesman, said: “Dr Harish is our party worker. His family suspects the hand of an Akali leader in the attack. If the police show reluctance in taking action, the Aam Aadmi Party will launch a protest.”