Suspense over Navjot Sidhu’s release today continues; supporters are upbeat whereas govt and jail authorities remain mum
Aman Sood
Patiala, January 26
Even as there is no definite word over Navjot Sidhu’s premature release from jail on Republic Day, his supporters are upbeat and ready to welcome him back.
While no official has confirmed it, his exercise machines were moved out of jail on Wednesday.
The state government and the jail authorities are silent on the issue, even as supporters and family members of Sidhu are set to welcome the former Punjab Congress chief.
Sidhu was convicted in a 1988 road rage case and surrendered in the court on May 20, 2022.
Highly placed sources said the file of the convicts to be released on Republic Day had reached the jail authorities. The exercise machines used by Sidhu in the jail were also moved out on Wednesday, a day before his expected release, they added.
Despite uncertainty prevailing over the premature release of Sidhu from the Patiala jail, where he is serving a one-year sentence, his supporters gathered at his Yadavindra Enclave ancestral house and also put up posters and banners to welcome him.
“I cannot comment on the technicalities but Sidhu should meet you all tomorrow outside the jail,” senior counsel HPS Verma, who represented Sidhu in court, told The Tribune on Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, people have been asked to gather outside the Patiala jail on January 26 to welcome Sidhu. “We will be there at noon. In case the government does not release our leader, we will burn an effigy of the state government,” said Sidhu loyalist Mansimrat Singh Riar.
However, there is no official word on Sidhu’s release from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who holds the Jails portfolio. Even jail officials are reluctant to comment. “Like you, even I have no clue on Sidhu’s release. I cannot comment till I receive the orders,” Patiala Jail Superintendent Manjit Singh Tiwana told The Tribune.
On the query about shifting Sidhu’s exercise equipment out of the jail, Tiwana said it was shifted in advance because if Sidhu is released, they don’t want the equipment to occupy space in the jail.
— DR NAVJOT SIDHU (@DrDrnavjotsidhu) January 25, 2023
Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation removed the hoardings put up by the Sidhu supporters from across the city.
“All illegal hoardings carrying the pictures of AAP leaders dot the city while a few banners put up by us were removed early this morning,” said Narinder Pal Lalli, former district Congress chief.
It is being speculated that Sidhu could be among the 50 prisoners who are likely to be given special remission under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Sidhu has completed 68 per cent of his sentence without a parole or furlough.
