Majithia remains elusive; Mann mocks ‘Majhey Da Jarnail’ tag

Amritsar: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) functionary and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia remained untraceable on Tuesday, a day after Punjab Police conducted multiple raids to arrest him in connection with an FIR registered over the alleged ruckus at Majitha police station on May 31.His counsel, Bhagwant Singh Sialka, said they were planning to move high court to seek relief and legal protection, alleging that the FIR was "biased". "Everyone has the right to approach the court and present their case," Sialka said.The development came even as chief minister Bhagwant Mann challenged Majithia to come out in the open and mocked the title of "Majhey Da Jarnail" often used for him. "He is a paper general," Mann said.Taking a swipe at Majithia's trademark moustache-twirling style, the CM asked, "Where is his moustache now?"Sialka also questioned the delay in providing a copy of the FIR to the defence. "We approached the (Amritsar) district court for a copy of the FIR, but the govt kept delaying the matter. The next hearing is on June 3," he said.Mann alleged that Majithia had interfered in police functioning and tampered with official records. He said a Lookout Circular (LOC) had been issued to prevent him from fleeing abroad and added that action would be taken strictly according to law.The FIR was registered after police alleged that Majithia and 50-60 supporters forcibly entered Majitha police station on May 31 and attempted to secure the release of party worker Jobanpreet Singh, who had been detained in connection with another case. Police have accused the group of unlawful assembly, obstructing official duty and damaging records, allegations denied by the SAD. Box ‘Wanted fugitive posters defaming public figure' A day after SAD functionary Bikram Singh Majithia evaded police, posters declaring the former minister "a wanted fugitive" went viral online. Referring to the posters that surfaced in Majitha, Majithia's counsel, Bhagwant Singh Sialka, alleged that they were aimed at defaming a respected public figure. He said those responsible for the posters lacked the courage to reveal their identities, and this demonstrated the FIR was a "malicious campaign" against Majithia.