Former OSD to Punjab CM Detained for Breaching Silent Period in Dhuri

Election fever is still humming in Punjab, but the model code of conduct has officially put a lid on overt campaigning. That’s why the sight of a man shouting slogans for the ruling party in Dhuri raised eyebrows – and eventually led to his arrest.

The individual in question is a former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) attached to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s office. Sources say he was caught near the city’s main market, handing out pamphlets and urging people to vote for the CM’s party, even though the silent‑period rule was in full effect.

Police officials on the scene say they intervened after a local resident reported the activity. “We are bound by the code of conduct,” one officer explained, “and anyone seen campaigning after the nomination deadline is liable for detention.” The ex‑OSD was taken into custody, booked for violating the election norms, and later released on bail.

The incident quickly became fodder for political debate. Party leaders rallied around the detained official, accusing the police of targeting their supporters. Meanwhile, opposition parties used the episode to underscore what they called “biased enforcement” of the code.

Legal experts note that the silent period is meant to give voters a breather before the final stretch of elections, and breaching it can lead to penalties, including fines or even disqualification of the candidate. In this case, the accused was not a candidate, but his proximity to the CM’s office made the matter more sensitive.

As the election countdown continues, both sides are watching each other closely. The police say they will remain vigilant, while the ruling party has hinted that the incident will not deter its grassroots workers from staying engaged – albeit within the legal limits.