Punjabi NRI 'Assaulted' Over Parking Issue In Himachal. SAD, Congress Leaders Link It To Kangana's Slap Row

A Punjabi NRI was allegedly assaulted in Himachal's Dalhousie over parking issue, following which the SAD and Congress leaders linked it to Kangana Ranaut's slap controversy.

A Punjab-origin non-resident Indian (NRI), Kawaljit Singh, alleged on Saturday that he was assaulted by a group of men following an argument over parking during his visit to Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh. Singh, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Amritsar, claimed that he was targeted due to his Punjabi identity. However, the Himachal Pradesh police refuted his claims and clarified that the incident was "not linked to any interstate or inter-community conflict".

The incident sparked a controversy with Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, and Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, demanding action from the government of Himachal Pradesh in the matter, news agency PTI reported.

Aujla and Majithia even linked the case to the recent incident in which actor and BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi Kangana Ranaut, was allegedly slapped at Chandigarh airport by a CISF woman constable.

'Not An Interstate Or Inter-Community Dispute'

The NRI and his Spanish wife, had been living in Spain for the past 25 years, and had recently returned to Punjab.

Singh stated that he had gone to the tourist destination of Dalhousie with his wife and a relative, two days ago, when the incident took place.

He alleged that he was attacked by a group of around 100 people after an argument that took place over a parking-related issue. Singh also alleged police apathy in the case. However, a senior IPS officer from Himachal Pradesh rejected his claims, PTI reported.

"Singh had come to Khajjiar in Chamba district and was doing palm reading for some women. Someone felt offended by this act and there was a scuffle. Later, both parties reached a compromise in front of the police," Santosh Patial, IG (Northern  Range) told PTI on Saturday.

The police officer said that the NRI had given in writing that he did not want any legal action and left.

"There is nothing like an interstate or inter-community dispute and tourists are welcome in Himachal," Patial stated.

IG Patial also said that during the summer season, thousands of tourists come to the state and the incident was just an "isolated incident" that occurred as Singh's actions offended some people, PTI reported.

Congress & SAD Condemn Incident, Demand Action

Congress MP from Amritsar Gurjeet Singh Aujla, visited the hospital where Singh was admitted to inquire about his well-being. He claimed: “They (attackers) took the name of Kangana and told them (Singh) what you did with her we did with you, which is unfortunate and wrong."   

The Congress MP also said that he will ask Himachal Pradesh CM to take action against the culprits who assaulted Singh. "An FIR should be lodged and miscreants should be arrested," PTI quoted Aujla as saying.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Majithia, while condemning the incident, alleged that it happened due to the impact of Kangana Ranaut's statement, and added that people in Himachal are now targeting tourists from Punjab due to this.

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister stated that he will write to the CM of Himachal Pradesh seeking action in the matter.

Recently, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut accused CISF woman constable Kulwinder Kaur of slapping her at the Chandigarh airport. The actor was traveling to Delhi after being elected to the Lok Sabha from Mandi, when the incident took place.

Following this, the CISF constable was suspended and an FIR was also lodged in the matter.