Security beefed up for Punjab CM Badal following threat

Police in Punjab have tightened the personal security of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal after intelligence reports of a threat to his life.

Chandigarh, Aug 25 : Police in Punjab have tightened the personal security of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal after intelligence reports of a threat to his life.

Police also released the sketches of seven women who are intent on harming the Chief Minister and his family. The women are believed to be affiliates of the controversial 'Dera Sacha Sauda' sect.

"There is no specific information with us that there are human bombs. We have alerted all our security people who are responsible for the security of the Chief Minister and his family. We have already taken all the security precautions," said N.P.S Aulakh, the State's Director General of Police.

Badal remained unfazed, saying he would ensure sectarian peace.

"I am not worried. I believe in god, who protects me. I will not allow anybody to disrupt the law and order in the state. I will maintain communal harmony and peace in every respect," he said.

Dera Sacha Sauda spokesperson termed the allegations as malicious.

"It's a baseless accusation leveled by the Punjab police, working in connivance with the political leaders. Six years ago, on the basis of an anonymous letter, they said these seven women have been enslaved and they were facing atrocities. Today, they have come up with such accusations. It is ridiculous," said Aditya Insan, a spokesperson of the sect.

Earlier this year, a photo of Baba Gurmeet dressed as Guru Gobind Singh sparked off sectarian clashes in Punjab and parts of Haryana, leaving one person dead and over 50 injured.

Baba Gurmeet tendered an apology, saying he had no intention of hurting Sikh sentiments, but the Sikh clergy rejected his apology.

The Sikhs have been demanding the arrest and trial of Ram Rahim Singh for the blasphemous act.

ANI