SAD leader Vardev Noni Mann arrested in Fazilka panchayat poll violence case

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Vardev Singh Mann, widely known as Noni Mann, has been arrested in connection with a violent clash that broke out last year during the nomination process for panchayat elections in Jalalabad, Fazilka district. The incident took place outside the office of the Block Development and Panchayat Officer.

Police said Mann, who has previously contested twice for the Punjab Assembly from the Guru Har Sahai constituency on an SAD ticket, was taken into custody from the Sangrur area on Wednesday morning.

Jalalabad City Station House Officer Angrej Kumar confirmed the arrest and said Mann will be presented before the judicial magistrate in Jalalabad.

The clash, which erupted during the local body nomination process, had led to heightened tensions in the area and prompted a police investigation into the involvement of political figures.