Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira was arrested today by Punjab police on charges of alleged involvement in drug smuggling and money laundering. The arrest followed early morning police operation at Khaira’s residence, related to 2015 case under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Jalalabad, Fazilka.
Arrest of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira: Details of the Arrest
Khaira is accused of supporting an international gang of smugglers, providing them shelter, and benefiting financially from drug traffickers. According to the investigating agency’s charge sheet, the received funds were supposedly used to purchase properties. It has been reported that between 2014 and 2020 Khaira spent more than ₹6.5 crore on himself and his family surpassing his declared income.
Arrest During Facebook Live: Khaira’s Confrontation with the Police
The arrest took place while Khaira was hosting Facebook Live session, during which he can be seen arguing with the police. A police official, DSP Achru Ram Sharma informed Khaira about the formation of Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the old drug smuggling case.
Check out the video.
VIDEO | Congress leader @SukhpalKhaira arrested by Jalalabad Police from his house in Chandigarh earlier today.
(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/tfxhjckvQI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 28, 2023
In the video Khaira is also seen chanting slogans against the Punjab government as he is detained by police. This arrest is likely to strain already fragile relationship between Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress which had formed the INDIA alliance. The state unit of the Congress has been opposing any partnership or seat-sharing arrangement with AAP in Punjab.
