Tarn Taran Court Sentences MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura to Four Years in Prison in 2013 Case

Tarn Taran, September 12, 2025– Khadoor Sahib MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura has been sentenced to four years in prison by a district court in connection with a 12-year-old case. The ruling not only jeopardizes the legislator’s political career but also casts a shadow over his party’s credibility and candidate selection ahead of elections.

Additional Sessions Judge Prem Kumar pronounced the judgment on an incident dating back to March 3, 2013. At that time, Lalpura, who was working as a taxi driver, was accused of molesting and assaulting a woman attending a marriage function. The victim, a Scheduled Caste woman, alleged that Lalpura and other drivers tore her clothes, hurled caste-based slurs, and attacked her near a palace close to Goindwal Sahib.

The case had triggered widespread outrage across the country, eventually drawing the Supreme Court’s attention. The top court took suo motu cognizance and ordered paramilitary protection for the woman to ensure her safety.

In addition to Lalpura, five police officials Davinder Kumar, Saraj Singh, Ashwani Kumar, Tarseem Singh, and Harjinder Singh were also convicted. They were accused of obstructing justice and attempting to shield the accused in the aftermath of the attack.

The verdict has revived debates about accountability and ethics in political leadership, with questions mounting over whether parties adequately scrutinize candidates with criminal records.