FEROZEPUR, Dec 12 — The late-night arrest of former gangster and emerging politician Gurpreet Singh Sekhon triggered sharp political reactions Friday, with supporters and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders accusing the AAP government of acting out of fear ahead of Zila Parishad elections.
A few hours before being taken into custody, Sekhon posted a video predicting his arrest. He alleged local AAP leaders were “insecure” due to the “overwhelming support” he claimed to be receiving. After leaving prison two years ago, Sekhon had declared he was moving away from crime, turning to social work and later entering politics.
His family members are contesting two Zila Parishad seats as Independent candidates with SAD support. “It is clear the ruling party knows it is losing ground,” former MLA Joginder Singh Jindu said. “This is nothing but witch-hunting.”
Large crowds gathered outside Kulgarhi police station on Friday morning and blocked the Ferozepur–Ludhiana national highway. Supporters raised slogans against the AAP government and demanded Sekhon’s immediate release. “Regardless of government actions, Sekhon’s candidates will win because people are with him,” Advocate Arshdeep Singh said.
Police maintained the arrest was strictly preventive. “Sekhon was taken into custody to maintain peace,” DSP (Rural) Karan Sharma said. “He will be produced before the SDM today.”
Sekhon has previously said he intends to contest the 2027 Assembly elections. “I have forgotten my past,” he said earlier in an interview. “I’m looking forward to serving the people of my area.”
The protest was called off after police assured supporters that “no injustice would be done.”
