A local court in Patiala delivered significant sentences on Tuesday in a high-profile case stemming from a violent clash with police. The incident occurred during an operation to apprehend individuals accused of a brutal attack on an assistant sub-inspector.
Court Sentences Five Accused in 2020 Clash Case
Additional Sessions Judge Harinder Kaur Sidhu pronounced the verdict after examining the evidence. She sentenced three Nihang Sikhs to five years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also sentenced two other individuals to two years behind bars.
Details of the Sentences and Charges
Balwinder Singh, his son Jagmeet Singh, and Nirbhai Singh received five-year terms under the Arms Act. They also received two-year sentences for assaulting a public servant and three-month terms for obstruction. All these sentences will run concurrently.
Gurdeep Singh and Bant Singh received two-year prison sentences for their roles in the confrontation. The court dropped several serious charges including attempt to murder, violations of the explosives act, and sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
The Violent Confrontation at Gurdwara Khichdi Sahib
The clash erupted at Gurdwara Khichdi Sahib in Balbera village in April 2020. Police had launched an operation to arrest suspects who attacked ASI Harjit Singh. The officer was enforcing Covid-19 restrictions at Patiala's grain market when assailants chopped off his left hand.
Following the attack, the accused fled to the gurdwara. Then Senior Superintendent of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu led a massive counter-operation involving over 200 personnel. Police claimed the Nihangs were armed with weapons and had prepared petrol bombs and gas cylinders to resist arrest.
After prolonged negotiations and public address announcements urging surrender, police apprehended multiple individuals. Initially, authorities arrested eleven accused including one woman. Police released four of them, including the woman, just four days later.
Acquittals and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The court acquitted two other accused, Bakhshish Singh and Gurmeet Singh. Judge Sidhu found insufficient evidence against them to sustain convictions.
Defense counsel Simranjit Singh Saggu provided important context about his clients. He explained that these Nihangs had visited the vegetable market on April 12 to purchase supplies for langar preparation. They were preparing for Vaisakhi celebrations scheduled for the following day.
Saggu also revealed that all convicted individuals have already completed their sentences and been released. The exception is Baba Balwinder Singh, who remains incarcerated in connection with another case.
The Original Attack That Sparked National Attention
The case gained nationwide attention in 2020 following the horrific attack on ASI Harjit Singh. The incident prompted Punjab Police to launch a solidarity campaign titled "#IAmHarjitSingh." This initiative highlighted the risks police personnel face while performing their duties.
ASI Harjit underwent surgery at PGI Chandigarh following the attack. Authorities later promoted him to sub-inspector in recognition of his bravery and service.
Separate Case Still Pending in Court
A related case remains active in the judicial system. FIR No. 71 registered at Sadar Patiala police station pertains directly to the attack on ASI Harjit Singh at the grain market. This case includes serious charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The charges include attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt, causing hurt by dangerous weapons, grievous hurt by dangerous weapons, assault on a public servant, obstructing a public servant, causing hurt to deter a public servant, causing grievous hurt to deter a public servant, and rioting armed with deadly weapon.
The case also includes charges under the Disaster Management Act of 2005 for disobedience to order and obstructing a government servant. While other co-accused in this FIR are currently out on bail, Baba Balwinder Singh's bail plea remains pending before the court.
