Jalandhar: A political row intensified in Jalandhar after BJP leaders detained during protests against the demolition of parts of Hotel Park Plaza were granted bail by a local court on Wednesday.
Former MP Sushil Kumar Rinku, senior leader Manoranjan Kalia and former MLA Sheetal Angural were among around 30 leaders produced before the session court. After nearly three hours of hearing, the court granted bail to all.
Tension prevailed outside the court complex as party workers attempted to move forward, leading to a brief scuffle with police. Security was tightened and movement of protesters was restricted.
Earlier, BJP state working president Ashwani Sharma led a protest on Court Road, while other leaders, including KD Bhandari, blocked roads in opposition to the civic body’s action. Traffic in the area was diverted amid heavy police deployment.
The controversy stems from the Municipal Corporation’s demolition drive carried out on March 17, when parts of Hotel Park Plaza were razed using a JCB machine following official orders. Authorities claimed portions of the structure were illegal.
Police had detained the leaders for allegedly obstructing government work during the protest and kept them at Sadar police station overnight.
BJP leaders alleged that the action was politically motivated, claiming the state government was targeting them following recent political developments.
