Accusing the ruling SAD of patronising liquor baron Shiv Lal Doda, Congress leader Sunil Jakhar today demanded a CBI probe, monitored by a Punjab and High Court judge, into the murder of a 27-year-old Dalit man whose limbs were chopped off by suspected henchmen of Doda in Abohar.
Jakhar, who represents Abohar in the Assembly, said he would approach other parties including SAD's ally BJP, AAP and BSP, seeking their support for a CBI probe into the Abohar murder case.
Jakhar also appreciated the stand taken by Union minister Vijay Sampla and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Som Prakash who had reportedly rejected the theory of state investigating agencies describing the Abohar murder as the result of "gang" war between two groups.
"We demand a CBI probe into the Abohar murder case which should be monitored by Punjab and Haryana High Court judge," Jakhar said while talking to reporters here.
"We have no faith on the investigations being conducted by Punjab Police into the Abohar murder case which is the most heinous crime ever witnessed in the state," Jakhar said.
Charging police with "shielding" accused Akali leader and liquor baron Doda under "clear instructions" from the ruling party, Jakhar alleged police were deliberately not arresting Doda and that he had been made a "state guest" by the police authorities.
"I want to ask the ruling party from where the office of Akali Dal in Abohar is being operated? This office is being run from the liquor shop of Shiv Lal Doda and the board of Akali Dal is also hung outside," Jakhar claimed while alleging political patronage being given to Doda.
He said the cooperation of all political parties will be sought to press for CBI probe.
"All political parties whether it is Congress, BSP, AAP, they have come forward against this crime. I must thank BJP as it has also shown courage to call spade a spade," Jakhar said.
"Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal described
Abohar murder case as gang war but Union Minister Vijay Sampla refused to accept it and said it as a case of atrocity against Scheduled Caste. Sampla has contradicted his own government in Punjab by demanding arrest of Shiv Lal Doda and Amit Doda," said Jakhar.
"All political parties like BSP, AAP and BJP will be approached, with the approval of Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh, to make a representation for demanding CBI probe," he said.
On the surrender of Amit Doda, nephew of Shiv Lal Doda, Jakhar said the surrender was shown by police to preempt CBI probe into the matter.
On the suspension of Station House Officer (SHO) Harinder Singh Chameli in Abohar, Jakhar said he was also involved in the crime as he had allegedly been staying in the farm house where Bhim was murdered.
Yesterday, Punjab Police suspended Chameli for dereliction of duty in connection with the murder of 27-year-old Bhim Sain.
