EC cancels parole of notorious gangster Daljit Singh Bhana amid campaign controversy

Bhana, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2017 for a double murder case dating back to 2014, has been a contentious figure in local politics. The gangster was involved in the killing of Simran and Deepansh, two youths
who were witnesses in another murder case involving Bhana himself. The incident occurred on February 26, 2014, in Jalandhar’s Raja Garden Colony. Another youth, Randeep, was also injured in the attack. The killed youths
were witnesses in the case of the murder of another youth, Prince, who was killed by Bhana in May 2012 in Jalandhar. The case was scheduled for hearing when these youths were brutally killed by Bhana with sharp-edged
weapons while on their way to the gym.

Even Bhana’s house was set on fire by the residents of Basti Bawa Khel area, where the victims lived, when some BJP leaders were protecting Bhana.

Bhana was close to another gangster, Sukha Kahlwan, who was killed by the Vicky Gounder Gang in a police vehicle on the National Highway near Phagwara while being taken to Nabha Jail by police after a court hearing in
Kapurthala court in January 2015. Bhana had openly challenged the killers.

He was arrested by the Patiala police on March 19, 2015.

Local BJP leaders recently raised concerns about Bhana’s alleged intimidation of voters and expressed fears of potential disturbances like booth capturing on election day. They accused AAP of facilitating Bhana’s release on parole from Patiala Jail, which has sparked controversy ahead of the bypolls in Jalandhar West.

Reacting to the complaints, Punjab Election Commissioner Sibin C issued instructions to the Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner to cancel Bhana’s parole until the conclusion of the Jalandhar West by-election. This decision aims
to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the constituency.

Bhana had also attempted l to free gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Laddi from Hoshiarpur Jail in 2017.

Both BJP and Congress leaders have called for strict action against any attempts to influence voters through intimidation tactics or criminal connections during the electoral process.