Police Raid in Moga Leads to Arrests, Rescues; Political Reactions Intensify

The arrest of sitting councillor Jagjit Singh Jita in connection with an alleged prostitution racket has triggered significant political upheaval in the region. The controversy intensified after photographs of the accused sharing the stage with senior leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) surfaced online just days before his arrest. According to police sources, the Moga Police conducted a late-night raid on Tuesday based on confidential information at a property linked to the councillor. During the operation, Jagjit Singh Jita along with six others was arrested. Police also rescued 14 women from the premises, including one minor. Reacting to the development, Aam Aadmi Party MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora alleged that the councillor had converted his private residence into a makeshift facility for illegal activities. She described the incident as serious and demanded strict action against all those involved. Dr. Arora urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to ensure that no individual connected to the case is spared, regardless of political affiliation. The incident has also drawn reactions from other political parties. BJP district president Harjot Kamal called for a thorough investigation into the alleged exploitation of minors, terming the matter a serious concern for public safety in the city. Meanwhile, the controversy has put the Shiromani Akali Dal under pressure. Recently circulated videos and photographs show Jita acting as a key speaker during the party’s “Punjab Bachao Yatra” in Moga, standing in close proximity to senior leaders. These visuals have made it difficult for the party to distance itself from the accused. In response, the Shiromani Akali Dal has initiated steps to sever ties with the councillor. District president Nihal Singh condemned the alleged actions and stated that the party had no prior knowledge of Jita’s personal activities. Nihal Singh further claimed that Jita had originally won his seat on a Congress ticket and had frequently shifted loyalties between political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party and the Akali Dal, particularly during mayoral elections. Defending party leadership, he added that it is not always possible to assess an individual’s personal conduct in advance. The case has raised serious legal and political questions, intensifying scrutiny over both law enforcement actions and political accountability in the region.