Patiala— A major development has emerged in the alleged viral audio case involving Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma. Sources have confirmed that Sharma has been sent on a week-long leave as the state government moves to contain the controversy ahead of a crucial High Court hearing. In his absence, Sangrur SSP Sartaj Chehal has been given additional charge of Patiala.
The case escalated last week after Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal released an audio clip in which a voice, purportedly that of SSP Sharma, is heard instructing police personnel to prevent opposition candidates from filing nomination papers for the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections. The clip quickly triggered political outrage, with the opposition alleging misuse of state machinery to influence the electoral process.
The development comes just before the Punjab and Haryana High Court is set to review the matter. On Monday, the court instructed the State Election Commission to expedite its investigation into the contents of the viral audio. The petition argues that immediate judicial intervention is essential to protect the integrity of the election process, claiming that opposition candidates were systematically blocked during the filing of nominations.
The public interest litigation, filed by former MLA Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, seeks the suspension of SSP Sharma and demands that an FIR be registered within seven days under the supervision of the Central Bureau of Investigation. The petition states that an internal inquiry by the state police would serve no purpose, as the allegations themselves concern police conduct.
It also cites a conference-call recording submitted to the court, in which the officer is allegedly heard directing personnel to obstruct opposition candidates at their homes or en route to nomination centers, follow instructions of a local MLA, provide favourable reports for ruling AAP supporters, and pressure returning officers to reject opposition nominations. According to the petitioner, these actions were aimed at ensuring uncontested victories and violated the Model Code of Conduct.
The High Court is expected to take up the matter shortly, and further action will depend on the findings submitted by the Election Commission. The controversy has intensified political tensions in Punjab, with the opposition accusing the ruling government of undermining democratic norms.
