Leaked audio adds to SAD’s troubles

AAP releases alleged conversation involving Valtoha; questions over SGPC accommodation, financial transactions and demand for CBI probe deepen political pressure ahead of Punjab polls

Chandigarh: The controversy surrounding rape allegations against former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Amarjit Singh Chawla intensified on Friday after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released an alleged audio recording involving senior Akali leader Virsa Singh Valtoha and the Bahrain based woman who has accused Chawla of rape.

The latest development has widened the controversy beyond the criminal case, bringing the role of senior Akali leaders, the woman’s prolonged stay at SGPC managed facilities and the functioning of Sikh religious institutions under scrutiny.

AAP Punjab general secretary and media in charge Baltej Pannu released the alleged recording during a press conference and sought explanations from SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal.

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The recording has not been independently authenticated. The allegations and claims made by the political parties remain subject to verification.

An FIR was registered at Anandpur Sahib police station on August 21 on the woman’s complaint, accusing Chawla of rape, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation under Sections 64, 127(2) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The complainant, who is originally from Punjab and settled in Bahrain, alleged that she was sexually assaulted at a sarai (religious staycation) in Anandpur Sahib. Chawla has denied the allegations, describing them as false and fabricated. He has also claimed that he has been implicated in the case.
Chawla left for Canada on August 14, before the FIR was registered, and a look out circular has reportedly been issued against him. Police have also conducted a search at his Ludhiana residence and questioned family members as part of the investigation.