By IANS,
Jalandhar: The senior deputy mayor of this Punjab city was Thursday beaten up by leaders of the employees union of the municipal corporation here after an argument.
Senior deputy mayor Kamaljit Singh Bhatia was thrashed by the employees’ leaders inside the office of the municipal commissioner, when the commissioner was holding a meeting with the union leaders to sort out an issue between them and Bhatia which had been boiling over the last few days.
Bhatia, who belongs to the ruling Akali Dal in the state, was admitted to the civil hospital here following the assault.
Sources in the municipal corporation said that the trouble started when Bhatia and a few councillors entered the commissioner’s office Thursday and a heated exchange took place between them and union leaders.
After that, it was a free for all as the union leaders assaulted Bhatia and others. Even chairs and other equipment were thrown at Bhatia.
The office of the commissioner suffered extensive damage following the scuffle inside the room.
Union leaders alleged that Bhatia Wednesday misbehaved with an official of the corporation to whom he had gone for some work.
Police officials said that they had received complaints from both sides and investigations were on in the case.
“I was suddenly attacked by over 150 people. I fear for my life. Action should be taken against those responsible for the attack on me,” Bhatia said in hospital.
Sources close to Bhatia said that he had threatened to resign from his post if the state government did not take action against those who attacked him.