Congress MLA’s Arrest In Punjab Drug Smuggling Case, Expected To Impact INDIA Alliance

In a significant development, Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira was arrested by the Punjab police on allegations of involvement in drug smuggling and money laundering. The arrest followed an early morning operation, with Punjab Police conducting a raid at Khaira’s residence in connection with a 2015 case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Jalalabad, Fazilka.

Serious Accusations Against Khaira

Khaira faces grave accusations, including his purported support for an international gang of drug smugglers. He is alleged to have provided shelter to these smugglers and received financial benefits from their illicit activities. An investigation agency’s charge sheet suggests that the funds received were used for the acquisition of properties. It has been revealed that between 2014 and 2020, Khaira reportedly spent over ₹6.5 crore on himself and his family, significantly exceeding his declared income.

Facebook Live During Arrest

The dramatic arrest unfolded while Khaira was hosting a Facebook Live session from his residence. In the video, Khaira can be seen engaged in a heated argument with the police.A police official, DSP Achru Ram Sharma, appears in the video and informs Khaira about the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with an old drug smuggling case. Khaira is also captured raising slogans of “Punjab Sarkar murdabad” (Down with the Punjab government) as he is taken into custody.

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

Impact on Political Alliances

Khaira’s arrest is expected to have far-reaching implications for the political landscape, particularly in the context of the AAP-Congress alliance known as the INDIA alliance.The state unit of the Congress has expressed its opposition to any potential tie-up or seat-sharing arrangement with the AAP in Punjab.
The arrest of Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira on charges related to drug smuggling and money laundering in Punjab, along with its potential ramifications for political alliances in the state.