Accusing BJP’s Swaran Salaria of concealing facts in his affidavit, the Punjab Congress on Thursday submitted a representation to the state chief electoral officer (CEO) for disqualification of his candidature.
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) spokesperson Gurpartap Singh Mann said a police case under sections 376 (rape), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC was filed against Salaria on the compliant of a woman in 2014. After investigation, a chargesheet was filed against him under Section 506 of the IPC.
“The investigations were conducted by an inspector-rank officer but as per the Schedule Caste and ST Act Prevention of Atrocities, 1995, the probe was supposed to be held by at least a DSP-level officer,” adds the representation.
Mann alleged that Salaria had deliberately concealed the facts in his affidavit that no FIR or chargesheet was pending against him.
“The BJP candidate is concealing a rape case registered against him, which directly links to his personal character and his act is deceit with voters. The additional CEO has assured us to look into the matter and take appropriate action,” said Mann.
