Alleged Convoy Attack and Detention of BJP Leader Ravneet Singh Bittu

On Friday, September 18, 2026, former Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said his convoy was ambushed near Batala while traveling to Pathankot for the BJP’s anti-drug “Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra.” He claimed a large group of AAP workers hurled stones, eggs and tomatoes, breaking windows of two escort cars and damaging a jammer vehicle. The next day Bittu protested at the Punjab Agricultural University gate in Ludhiana as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s convoy entered for a Kisan Mela, holding a bottle of liquor, eggs and tomatoes to “return” the items he said had been thrown at his convoy. Punjab Police detained him at the gate and later released him to his residence.

Hindustan TimesBJP's Ravneet Bittu Detained After 'Egg-Tomato' Protest Against Bhagwant Mann Ravneet Bittu released after detention over 'egg' protest near CM Mann's convoy ThePrintCNN-News18

The incident occurred during the BJP’s statewide “Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra,” launched by party president Nitin Nabin to highlight drug-related concerns in Punjab. Bittu, the grandson of former chief minister Beant Singh, was traveling with Z-plus security. Political rivalry between the ruling AAP government and the opposition BJP has intensified ahead of the 2027 Punjab assembly elections.

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• Bittu cited over 100 AAP workers involved; other reports mention more than 200, around 500, and 2,100 participants.

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• His security detail reportedly included about 100 personnel.

New Indian Express

• Bittu warned that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the state Director General of Police would be held responsible for any harm to him or his entourage and said he had informed the Union Home Ministry.

Had to call Amit Shah's office: Ravneet Bittu claims attack before Punjab anti-drug yatra

• Punjab Police said Bittu was detained for attempting to throw eggs and tomatoes at the CM’s convoy.

BJP's Ravneet Bittu Detained After 'Egg-Tomato' Protest Against Bhagwant Mann

• The AAP government denied any involvement in the alleged convoy attack.

Had to call Amit Shah's office: Ravneet Bittu claims attack before Punjab anti-drug yatra

• Bittu’s office called the incident a threat to democratic opposition and demanded an investigation by the Punjab government.

BJP's Ravneet Bittu Detained After 'Egg-Tomato' Protest Against Bhagwant Mann

AAP refuted Bittu’s allegations, stating its workers did not attack the convoy and that the claims are unverified. No independent verification of the attackers’ political affiliation has been provided.

Hindustan Times

• Number of attackers: Sources vary widely, reporting figures from >100 to ?2,100.

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• Police role: Bittu accuses police of being “mute spectators,” while police emphasize their detention of Bittu for a separate protest.

New Indian Express

• Identity of perpetrators: Bittu attributes the attack to AAP workers; the party denies involvement, and no third-party verification is available.

Had to call Amit Shah's office: Ravneet Bittu claims attack before Punjab anti-drug yatra

• “This is a clear message to the Punjab Government – political opposition cannot be silenced through police action. BJP workers will answer every democratic protest democratically and will continue to stand with the people of Punjab,” — Ravneet Singh Bittu

Ravneet Bittu detained after protesting near CM Mann’s cavalcade in Ludhiana ThePrintRavneet Bittu released after detention over 'egg' protest near CM Mann's convoy Hindustan TimesHindustan Times

The “Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra” is scheduled to cover roughly 4,000 km across all 117 Punjab assembly constituencies and conclude on September 30 in Jalandhar, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address a rally. The BJP has indicated it will continue to stage protests outside government programmes as part of its campaign.

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