Punjab and Haryana High Court delivers verdict in Kotkapura firing case; matter to be heard in Chandigarh court
The accused, Charanjit Singh, expressed fear of safety in Faridkot. The decision aims to ensure a fair and safe trial, consolidating related cases in Chandigarh
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The trial in Punjab's infamous Kotkapura shooting case will now take place in the Chandigarh District Court instead of Faridkot. The case has been transferred on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This decision was made following a petition filed by accused Charanjit Singh, who raised serious concerns about his safety.
Demand for transfer due to security reasons:
Previously, the Behbal Kalan firing case had also been transferred to Chandigarh. According to defense lawyer Tanheer Singh, his client felt insecure during appearances in Faridkot and feared an untoward incident. He argued that the area has previously witnessed the murder of Dera followers and some incidents involving them in police custody, raising questions about a fair and safe trial.
All related cases now concentrated in Chandigarh
It's worth noting that the Behbal Kalan firing case was also previously transferred to Chandigarh. Defense lawyer Amit Gupta says that now having all the Kotkapura, Behbal Kalan, and sacrilege cases heard in one place will expedite the process. Since the witnesses and events in these cases are interconnected, the unified hearing is expected to expedite the judicial process.
2015 events: Protests and firing
Following the desecration of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Bargari on October 12, 2015, widespread protests erupted in Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan. On October 14, police used force to disperse the protesters. The firing in Behbal Kalan resulted in the death of two Sikh youths, further sensitizing the situation.
The charge sheet filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has named eight accused, including Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Sumedh Singh Saini, Paramraj Singh Umranangal and other senior leaders and police officials.
With all related cases now concentrated in Chandigarh, the judicial process is expected to be expedited, while the administration says a fair and safe hearing will be ensured.