Chandigarh, April 10 The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday demanded an impartial investigation into a viral video showing Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundia allegedly threatening a businessman in Mukerian, and said it would raise the matter with the governor.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, addressing a press conference at the Punjab BJP office here, presented the businessman, Malkit Singh, to the media and said the party would take up the issue with the Governor.
BJP MLA from Mukerian Jangi Lal Mahajan, who was also present, demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter and sought security for the businessman's family.
Bittu alleged that a similar pattern of intimidation seen earlier in another case was now being repeated in Mukerian.
He said while some victims had succumbed to pressure in the past, the present complainant has chosen to speak out.
Bittu added that the BJP stands firmly with the businessman and his family.
The Union minister further alleged that while the state government talks about attracting investment, local entrepreneurs are being intimidated and pressured, which discourages business activity.
According to the businessman, he runs a unit manufacturing specialized trolleys and had supplied one worth Rs 6.5 lakh to the minister about a year ago, for which payment is still pending.
He alleged that when he demanded payment, he was instead pressured to give a share in his business.
The businessman also claimed that notices were issued against him by the Pollution Control Board and other departments under pressure, in an attempt to shut down his unit.
The businessman further alleged that his family has been receiving threats and that his brother was attacked earlier.
He claimed that despite filing a complaint, no action has been taken by the police.
He said the situation has become so severe that he fears for his safety and is unable to send his children to school.
The minister was not available for comments immediately.