Violence Erupts Over MIA Office Possession in Mohali; Police Accused of Collusion

Mohali : Tensions within the Mohali Industries Association (MIA) turned violent on Friday when two factions clashed over the possession of the association’s office in Phase 7. Mukesh Bansal, a claimant to the post of president, accused members of the Baljit Singh group of preventing him from entering the office to implement the orders of the Mohali SDM.

Bansal alleged that he was dragged inside the office and beaten by the Baljit Singh group. He further claimed that the police were complicit, failing to intervene during the assault. Following the incident, Bansal was admitted to Civil Hospital Mohali for medical treatment.

The Baljit Singh group, which has been in control of the MIA for the past two years and is supported by Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh, had reached a consensus during the annual general meeting on September 6 that Baljit would continue as president. However, a significant shift occurred when eight out of nine members in Baljit’s group later supported Bansal as their new leader, leading to a dispute over the office’s control.

The Bansal faction, supported by former health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, had approached the Deputy Commissioner for a peaceful handover of the office. Mohali Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu condemned the violence, calling it “shameful” that a respected MIA member was assaulted in the office.

The altercation also led to a confrontation with journalists, with one being attacked and his phone damaged while recording the scuffle. A police complaint has been filed in this regard. Despite prior warnings, the Phase-1 police were unable to prevent the violence, with Senior Police Officers Sukhbir Singh and DSP Jayant Yadav visiting the scene later.