Clash Erupts During Municipal Elections in Punjab's Gurdaspur District

A recent clash during the municipal elections in Gurdaspur, Punjab, has raised serious concerns about law enforcement's role in the incident. Rival factions clashed, leading to accusations from opposition leader Pratap Singh Bajwa that police colluded with criminal elements. With reports of FIRs filed against his supporters and one individual missing, Bajwa's claims highlight ongoing issues of gang influence in the region. This incident underscores the challenges facing law and order in Punjab, prompting calls for accountability and reform.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2026, 18:38 IST

Violence Breaks Out Amidst Election Tensions

In Gurdaspur district of Punjab, a confrontation occurred between rival factions during the elections for the president of the Qadian Municipal Council. What began as a verbal dispute among supporters quickly escalated into a physical altercation. Fortunately, law enforcement was already present at the scene, allowing them to swiftly regain control of the situation.

Speaking to reporters about the incident, Pratap Singh Bajwa, the leader of the opposition in the Punjab Assembly and a Congress leader, accused the police of taking action against his supporters.

Allegations of Police Misconduct

Bajwa claimed that the police assisted in filing FIRs against three of their members; two individuals were taken to the police station, while one person remains unaccounted for. This dispute originated from the nearby village of Selabpur, located about 10 kilometers away. Regarding the law and order situation in the state, Bajwa stated, "These are professional goons; everything in Punjab is being controlled by gangs." He further asserted, "The police have actually aided these criminal elements; they are colluding with them."