Ferozepur: In a late-night operation, gangster-turned-politician Gurpreet Singh Sekhon was taken into preventive custody by Ferozepur police under Section 7/51 of the CrPC and lodged at Kulgarhi police station.
Sekhon, who had renounced crime following his release from jail two years ago, entered social work and later ventured into politics. Currently, two of his family members are contesting the Zila Parishad elections as Independent candidates with the backing of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Hours before his arrest, Sekhon shared a video on social media, claiming that police action was influenced by local AAP leaders who were allegedly unsettled by his growing popularity in the region.
The arrest triggered immediate protests. Hundreds of Sekhon’s supporters gathered in front of the Kulgarhi police station and blocked the Ferozepur-Ludhiana highway (NH-5), raising slogans against both the police and the AAP government. The demonstrators threatened to continue their dharna until Sekhon was released.
Former MLA and SAD district president Joginder Singh Jindu condemned the arrest, calling it “the height of anarchy” and accusing the ruling party of attempting to undermine democratic processes. “It is clear that the local AAP MLA has accepted his defeat, and this action is a result of frustration,” Jindu said.
Advocate Arshdeep Singh, part of Sekhon’s campaign team, alleged that the AAP leadership was using police intervention to intimidate candidates, but emphasized that public support remained firmly with Sekhon’s team. “Regardless of government actions, Sekhon’s candidates will win these elections,” Singh asserted.
Sekhon, who has announced his intention to contest the 2027 Assembly polls, previously told The Tribune that he has moved past his earlier life and is committed to serving his constituency.
DSP (Rural) Karan Sharma confirmed that Sekhon was taken into preventive custody along with two associates and will be presented before the SDM court for further proceedings. Following police assurances that no injustice would be done, the dharna on NH-5 was eventually lifted.
The incident underscores the rising political tensions in Ferozepur ahead of the Zila Parishad elections, highlighting the clash between SAD-backed candidates and the ruling AAP in the region.
