Chandigarh stalkers skip summons, DGP promises action

With Haryana state BJP chief Subhash Barala's son Vikas Barala and his friend Ashish Kumar skipping the police summons to join probe into the stalking of a senior officer's daughter on Wednesday, the Chandigarh Police are contemplating further action, a top officer said.

Vikas Barala and Ashish Kumar, who were summoned by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sector 26 police station here at 11 a.m., did not turn up, the police said.

Police sources said that two more summons would be issued to the accused, after which the police could approach the court to get warrants for their arrest.

Chandigarh's Director General of Police (DGP) Tejinder S. Luthra told the media here on Wednesday morning that the city's police, who have drawn criticism for mishandling the matter and favouring the accused men, will take necessary steps.

Luthra said that the accused had refused to give their blood and urine samples to the doctor conducting their medical examination on Saturday.

"The doctor on duty wanted to take the blood and urine samples, but the accused being law graduates knew the law too well. Therefore, they refused to give their samples. However, such refusal can be held against them in the investigation and also during the trial," Luthra said.

"I must assure you that everything under the sun will be done to ensure justice," the DGP, who came before the media for the first time five days after the incident that rocked the country, added.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Haryana also washed its hands of from the high-profile accused men.

"Whether Vikas Barala will join the investigation or not, he will decide. The BJP does not have anything to do with it," Haryana BJP spokesman Jawahar Yadav said.

--IANS

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