The Punjab Police have recently registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) against Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Sandeep Pathak. The news, which broke following Pathak’s recent shift in political alignment, has triggered a massive row between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Allegations of Political Vendetta
BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa, speaking from Ambala, Haryana, lashed out at the Punjab government, describing the move as a blatant example of “political vendetta.” Sirsa claimed that the state machinery is being used to harass leaders who choose to move away from the ruling party’s ideology.
While the police have not yet released the full details of the charges, sources suggest the FIRs involve serious non-bailable sections. Pathak, who was once a key strategist for AAP, has maintained that his actions have always been in the interest of the nation and that he remains undeterred by the legal challenges.
Controversy Over Public Display of Reverence to Rampal
In a separate development that has sparked a different kind of debate, a video has surfaced showing high-ranking officials and political figures paying obeisance to Sant Rampal, the head of Satlok Ashram, who was recently released from jail on bail.
The Viral Footage
The footage, which has gone viral on social media platforms, shows a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Haryana Police touching the feet of Rampal. Accompanying the officer was former BJP MP Sunita Duggal, who was seen with folded hands before the preacher. The incident reportedly took place at Rampal’s court shortly after his release.
Rampal, who had been in custody for over 11 years following a violent standoff in Barwala in 2014, was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in April 2026. His release was met with massive gatherings of followers, despite court instructions to avoid large congregations that could disturb public order.
Public and Political Reaction
The involvement of a serving senior police officer in such a public display of reverence has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that such actions undermine the “dignity of the post” and the neutrality of the police force, especially considering the serious past charges against the preacher, which included sedition and attempt to murder.
- Dignity of Office: Legal experts and retired police officials have questioned whether a uniformed officer should engage in such acts in a public or semi-public setting.
- Political Presence: The presence of Sunita Duggal has also raised eyebrows, though supporters of the leaders argue that faith is a personal matter and should not be conflated with their professional or political duties.
Conclusion: A Region in Flux
The simultaneous unfolding of these events highlights the complex reality of modern governance in India. On one hand, the legal system is being tested by high-stakes political defections and the subsequent “tit-for-tat” FIRs. On the other, the enduring influence of religious figures over both the public and the bureaucracy continues to challenge the secular and professional boundaries of the state.
As these stories develop, the focus will remain on the judiciary’s role in mediating these conflicts. Whether it is the High Court’s oversight of Sandeep Pathak’s cases or the administrative review of the DIG’s conduct, the coming weeks will be crucial in defining the standard for political and professional accountability in the region.
