Punjab Opposition Leader Demands Judicial Probe Into Police Encounter Killing
Chandigarh: Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, has made a significant appeal to the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. On Friday, he urged the judiciary to take suo motu cognisance of the controversial killing of 19-year-old Ranjit Singh in what has been described as an alleged police encounter. Bajwa emphasized the urgent need for an independent, time-bound, and high-level investigation into this deeply troubling incident.
Family Visit and Disturbing Questions
Bajwa personally visited the bereaved family of Ranjit Singh at Adian village to hear their firsthand account of the events. After meeting with the grieving relatives, he stated that their version of the incident raises serious and disturbing questions that cannot be overlooked in a democratic society governed by the rule of law. "The family's narrative presents fundamental issues that demand immediate attention from our judicial system," Bajwa remarked.
Jurisdictional Accountability and Post-Mortem Demand
The opposition leader highlighted the jurisdictional complexities involved, noting that the 50-kilometre belt around the international border fence falls under the Border Security Force (BSF), which represents a joint responsibility of the Central Government and the Punjab State Government. "Therefore, accountability in this matter cannot be deflected or diluted through bureaucratic excuses," he asserted firmly.
Bajwa strongly endorsed the family's specific demand that the post-mortem examination be conducted at either the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh or the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. This request stems from the family's complete loss of faith in the Punjab Police. "When a family expresses such profound mistrust in the state machinery, it reflects the extreme gravity of the situation. I fully support their call for an independent and credible post-mortem procedure," he added with conviction.
Call for Transparent Investigation
Furthermore, Bajwa demanded that the investigation be transferred either to a sitting judge of the High Court or to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure complete transparency and impartiality. "Only a probe conducted under proper judicial supervision or by an independent central agency can restore public confidence and ensure that the truth prevails before the entire state of Punjab," he explained. He noted that the people of Punjab are emotionally invested in this case and are monitoring all developments closely.
"The citizens of Punjab deserve to know the full truth—whether Ranjit Singh and others were genuinely involved in the killing of two police personnel, and if so, to what precise extent. Justice must not only be done but must also be visibly seen to be done in this critical matter," Bajwa emphasized.
Historical Context and Government Criticism
Recalling Punjab's painful historical experiences, Bajwa issued a stern warning against repeating past mistakes. "Punjab witnessed prolonged periods of severe turmoil. For nearly fifteen years, the state remained deeply disturbed. We have all seen the devastating consequences of excesses and unchecked actions during that era. We simply cannot afford to revisit that dark chapter in our history," he cautioned.
Launching a direct and scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government, Bajwa claimed that since this administration assumed power, the law and order situation in the state has deteriorated alarmingly. "The law and order machinery appears to have been left completely rudderless and at the mercy of divine intervention. Such tragic incidents further erode public trust in the very institutions that are meant to protect and serve ordinary citizens," he concluded with grave concern.
