Nabha Jailbreak Mastermind Gurpreet Sekhon Joins AAP Ahead of Punjab Polls

Public Lokpal
September 07, 2026

Gangster-turned-politician Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, the main accused in the high-profile 2016 Nabha jailbreak, officially joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) at a public rally in Zira, Ferozepur district.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann personally welcomed him into the party fold, sparking heavy speculation that Sekhon may be fielded as the party's candidate for the Zira Assembly constituency in the upcoming 2027 state elections.

Defending the controversial induction, CM Mann asserted that individuals should not be judged solely by their past and that circumstances can push people toward wrong paths.

However, the move drew fierce backlash from opposition leaders. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring strongly condemned the ruling party, accusing it of setting a dangerous precedent and incentivizing gangster culture.

The induction has also created friction among local party ranks, unsettling supporters of the sitting AAP MLA from Zira.