A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Punjab has taken a significant step in a long-standing legal case, directing the prosecution to submit its response regarding the bail application of an accused middleman. The case is connected to the infamous 1991 assassination attempt on former Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sumedh Singh Saini.
Court Directs Prosecution to File Reply
The court of Special Judge Sushil Kumar Garg has formally called for arguments from the CBI's side concerning the regular bail plea filed by Krishanu Sharda. Sharda is named as an accused in the case, which revolves around allegations of a conspiracy to eliminate the former top cop. The judge has scheduled the next hearing in this matter for April 29, 2024, when the court will further deliberate on the bail request after considering the agency's stance.
This development marks a new chapter in the protracted legal proceedings linked to the broader case involving pro-Khalistani militant Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. Bhullar was convicted and sentenced to death for his role in the 1993 car bomb attack in New Delhi, which resulted in nine fatalities. The plot to assassinate SSP Saini is considered a part of the same chain of events.
The Background of the 1991 Assassination Attempt
The core of the case dates back to September 1991, when a serious attempt was made on the life of Sumedh Singh Saini, who was then the SSP of Chandigarh. According to the charges framed by the CBI, a criminal conspiracy was hatched by Devinderpal Singh Bhullar and his associates. The alleged plan involved engaging a sharpshooter to carry out the killing of the police officer.
The central agency's case posits that the accused middleman, Krishanu Sharda, played a specific role in this conspiracy. The CBI alleges that Sharda was tasked with conducting a reconnaissance of the residence of SSP Saini. This act of gathering information and surveying the location is a critical part of the pre-meditation charges in the conspiracy case.
Legal Proceedings and the Path Ahead
The court's decision to seek a response from the CBI indicates the ongoing judicial scrutiny of the evidence and arguments presented by the defense. Bail pleas in such high-profile cases involving serious charges of conspiracy and attempted murder are typically met with rigorous opposition from the prosecution.
The upcoming hearing on April 29 will be crucial for Krishanu Sharda's legal team as they argue for his release on regular bail. The CBI's reply, which the court has now mandated, will outline the agency's grounds for opposing the bail, likely focusing on the gravity of the offense, the alleged role of the accused, and concerns about influencing the trial.
This case continues to draw attention due to its historical connection to a period of significant militancy in Punjab and the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. The court's proceedings will determine the immediate liberty of the accused while the larger trial continues to unfold.
