Chandigarh, July 27 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Moga SSP to personally investigate allegations of assault against Moga Mayor Baljit Singh Channi and submit a status report by September 11. The court’s directive follows a petition filed by former contractor Santokh Singh, who claimed that the mayor attacked him during a confrontation over the revival of a defunct sewer line.
The alleged altercation occurred around two months ago near the Kotkapura bypass, when Santokh Singh arrived at the site with municipal equipment to restore a non-functional sewer line that had been out of service for four years. He claimed he was acting with the local MLA’s knowledge to prevent wastage of ₹1.70 crore earmarked for laying a new line.
According to the petitioner, Mayor Channi opposed the revival move, asserting that the line had been officially declared defunct and any attempt to reactivate it was unauthorised. A heated argument ensued, escalating into a physical clash where both sides accused each other of hurling bricks and threats. Santokh alleged the mayor even brandished a revolver in self-defence during the scuffle. No shots were fired.
Despite submitting medical records indicating blunt-force injuries, along with CCTV footage, photographs, and eyewitness accounts, Santokh claimed the police refused to register an FIR — prompting him to approach the high court.
Taking serious note of the matter, the court has now asked the Moga police chief to personally handle the inquiry and ensure a comprehensive status report is filed in court by September 11.
