Family of Teen Killed in Police Encounter Seeks Fresh Postmortem in Gurdaspur
The family of 19-year-old Ranjit Singh, who was shot dead in an alleged police encounter on Wednesday in Gurdaspur, has taken legal action by moving court to request a special medical board for a fresh postmortem. The incident is linked to the murder of two police officers, and the family's petition aims to ensure transparency in the investigation.
Court Petition for Videographed Postmortem
Harwinder Singh, the uncle of the deceased, stated, "We have filed a petition requesting the Gurdaspur district court to appoint a seven-member board of doctors for a videographed postmortem. Only then will we accept the body and cremate him." This move highlights the family's distrust in the initial police account and their demand for an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding Ranjit's death.
Police Account of the Encounter
According to police reports, Ranjit Singh fled from custody and fired at officers, leading to his death in retaliation. The police have reiterated that the murders of ASI Gurnam Singh and home guard Ashok Kumar were part of an alleged ISI plot. They claim that fugitive accused Inderjit Singh recruited Ranjit and Dilawar Singh to carry out the killings. Dilawar Singh is currently in police custody, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Background and Implications
The case has sparked controversy in Gurdaspur and Chandigarh, with the family's court petition underscoring broader concerns about police encounters and accountability. The demand for a videographed postmortem by a special medical board reflects a growing trend in seeking judicial oversight in such incidents to ensure justice and transparency.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case may set a precedent for how similar encounters are handled in the future, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and adherence to due process in law enforcement operations.
