Kejriwal targets Pb Police over death of youths during protest

Image
Press Trust of India Faridkot
Last Updated : Oct 24 2015 | 5:57 PM IST
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today went after the Punjab Police over the death of two Sikhs killed in police firing during anti-desecration protests at Faridkot and asked the SAD-BJP government to restore peace in the state.
Kejriwal, who is on his first visit to Punjab since becoming the Chief Minister in February met the families of the two youths - Gurjit Singh (26) of Sarawan village and Krishan Singh (43) of Behbal Khurd village - and assured the all possible help.
He later told reporters that Gurjit was killed in police firing when he went to serve langar (a communal meal) to about 300 peaceful protesters. "As per rules, police fire warning shots in air and then into the ground...It was completely wrong," he said.
Keriwal demanded immediate arrest of those behind the sacrilege and strict action against policemen who opened fire on the protesters and their seniors who ordered firing.
"We condemn the incident of sacrilege. Punjab is burning and we appeal to the state government to arrest those behind the incident. I demand that a copy of the FIR be given to Gurjit's family so that they could be aware of its contents," the Delhi Chief Minister said.
He said the state was on the "boil" after alleged incidents of sacrilege and asked the SAD-BJP government to take immediate steps to restore peace.
Gurjit and Krishan were part of the protests over the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib and were killed in police firing on October 14. The incident provoked widespread criticism of the state government and Punjab Police.
In the wake of the incident, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal put Moga SSP Charanjit Sharma under suspension for "lapses" in the line of duty.
Under pressure from several quarters, Punjab Police on Wednesday registered a case under various sections of the IPC in connection with the matter. It is being probed by a team led by ADGP Crime cum Director of Bureau of Investigation, Punjab, I P S Sahota.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 24 2015 | 5:57 PM IST

Next Story