Punjab CM Helicopter Row: Protests Erupt as Journalists and Political Leaders Condemn FIRs

Punjab CM Helicopter Row: Protests Erupt as Journalists and Political Leaders Condemn FIRs

The journalist community remains firm, with members asserting that they will continue to raise issues related to the public despite the threat of imprisonment.

RMN News Punjab Desk
New Delhi | January 5, 2026

CHANDIGARH – The journalist fraternity, led by the Bathinda Press Club, launched a protest in Sector 17, Chandigarh, on January 4 following the registration of cases against 10 individuals. The Cyber Cell of Ludhiana Police booked these individuals, including YouTubers and an RTI activist, for allegedly spreading “misleading information” regarding Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s use of a state helicopter during a foreign tour in December.

Muzzling the Press and Public Dissent: During a meeting at the Bathinda Press Club, president Bakhtaur Singh Dhillon alleged that the Punjab government is attempting to “muzzle the voices of journalists” and suppress dissent. Dhillon pointed out that the very questions the Chief Minister used to raise while in the Opposition are now resulting in criminal cases against activists.

Those named in the FIR, including RTI activist Manik Goyal and Baljinder Singh (alias Mintu Gurusaria), stated they are not seeking anticipatory bail and are ready for arrest. Goyal noted that he had simply shared information procured from the internet on social media and was not informed of the case until weeks after it was registered.

Political Backlash and Family Dissent: The protest gained significant political momentum as Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal joined a dharna to express solidarity with the scribes. Badal accused the AAP government of using “tactics to browbeat Punjabis” and claimed the government has consistently denied RTI applications regarding the alleged misuse of state resources. He further alleged that a retired CBI officer has been empowered to direct the registration of these FIRs, bypassing standard police protocols.

[ Pressed Reporter: Humanitarian Service to Protect Journalists and Press Freedom in the World ]

In a surprising turn, Gian Singh Mann, the cousin of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, also voiced his opposition to the government’s actions. In a social media post, he called for the immediate cancellation of the FIRs, asserting that questioning the government is a “constitutional right” that must be protected in a democracy.

Expanding Agitation: The journalist community has signaled that the January 4 protest is only the beginning of a broader movement.

• January 8: A joint meeting of journalists and public organizations will be held in Bathinda to announce a larger agitation.
• State-wide Protest: Gurtej Singh Sidhu, chairman of the Punjab Chandigarh Journalist Union’s Bathinda district, announced that memorandums would be submitted to Deputy Commissioners and SDMs across the state to register a formal protest against the legal actions.

The journalist community remains firm, with members asserting that they will continue to raise issues related to the public despite the threat of imprisonment.