Congress Alleges Police Detention of Councillors in Haryana Ahead of Chairman Election

The case relates to about 18 councillors who were returning to Tijara from Himachal Pradesh. The Congress alleges that these councillors were stopped by the police near Chandimandir area of Haryana and taken to Pinjore police station. Congress leaders also staged a protest linking it to the chairman election. Panchkula police, however, have denied the allegation of detaining the councillors. According to the police, the councillors are reported to be on the Ambala or Shahbad side and their exact location is being ascertained. The High Court was hearing a petition filed by Ram Avtar Saini, a councillor elected from Ward 33 of Tijara Municipal Council and a candidate for the post of chairman. The petitioner demanded that the councillors who were allegedly stopped be brought to Tijara and given a chance to vote freely. During the hearing, the High Court refused to stay the election process directly. The High Court directed the State Election Commission to prepare a report on the entire developments in Bhidimari before 1.30 pm and submit a report to the State Election Commission.