Police announce ₹1 lakh reward on R-Day violence accused Lakha Sidhana

New Delhi: The Delhi Police has announced Rs 1 lakh as reward on Lakha Sidhana, an alleged conspirator in the Republic Day violence that ensued following the tractor rally of farmers. Sidhana, who has been hiding since then, has been posting several videos on social media post the January 26 violence.

In his last video, Sidhana was seen urging his followers to support Deep Sidhu, who was arrested earlier after a reward of Rs 1 lakh leading to his arrest was announced by the police.

The permission for the tractor rally was given by the Delhi Police after an undertaking that no violence would be tolerated.

The Crime Branch had sent the file to the commissioner earlier but only yesterday was it cleared. The teams of Delhi Police – whether the Crime Branch or the Special Cell – suspect that Sidhana could either be at Singhu or Tikri border, and from there he makes the videos. Sidhana also sends videos on Telegram and Signal apps to his supporters, who then upload those on his Facebook account.

Delhi Police sources have said that he is moving between Haryana and Punjab and also visits the protest sites were his supporters are still there.

Officials are hopeful that Sidhana will soon be nabbed. Deep Sidhu has also alleged that he knew Lakha Sidhana but said that there was no prior planning with him when the violence broke out.

The Delhi Police has registered a case against Sidhana and others at Kotwali police station of North district under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and other legislation.