Punjab’s Patiala district is facing a major political and administrative storm after an alleged audio clip linked to election interference went viral. The state government has sent SSP Varun Sharma on leave and assigned Sangrur SSP Sartaj Singh temporary charge. The action comes just before the Punjab and Haryana High Court hearing, where the Election Commission is set to submit a detailed report.
The audio, released by SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, reportedly contained conversations about stopping opposition candidates from filing nominations for the upcoming December 14 Zila Parishad and Block Committee elections. The clip allegedly mentioned blocking candidates in their villages and preventing them from reaching nomination centres.
Patiala Police dismissed the recording as fake, claiming it was generated using AI to mislead voters. They warned of strict action against those circulating it. Political tensions remain high as 195 AAP candidates have already won unopposed.
