SAJJAN SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has prayed for an independent probe, preferably by C.B.I to enquire into the custodial death of his father, Dalip Singh, who died while in police custody. The petitioner claims that his father was brutally murdered while he was in the custody of Police Station, Samana, District Patiala.

(2.) It is stated that father of the petitioner was involved in a false case concerning the death of petitioner's wife and an FIR No.69, dated 19.3.1995, was registered under Sections 302 and 201 IPC. Father, mother and brother of the petitioner were picked up by the police on the morning of 19.3.1995 and taken to Police Station, Samana.

(3.) The petitioner too was arrested and taken to the same Police Station in the evening. He allegedly saw his father being tortured very badly by DSP Pritpal Singh, Inspector Darshan Singh, Gurpreet Singh and some other policemen. As per the petitioner, his father fainted thereafter and was thrown into the Cell by locking the door. It is at mid night that his father gained consciousness and demanded water. He also complained severe pain in his abdomen. It is alleged that DSP Pritpal Singh hit him with stick in his abdomen, for which he complained of a severe pain. The petitioner statedly requested the Constable to take his father to the hospital but he rather faced rebukes. His father thereafter passed away. Sarpanch of the village was called and body of his father was cremated in the Cremation Ground of their native village. The petitioner, his mother and brother were taken to attend the cremation. It is alleged that DSP Pritpal Singh forced the petitioner to sign certain blank papers. The DSP had also threatened the petitioner that he would meet the same fate if he reported the matter. It is further alleged that DSP Pritpal Singh demanded a sum of Rs.60,000/- from the brother of the petitioner for his release. His brother somehow arranged this amount and was able to secure his release and that of their mother. The petitioner, however, was kept in a lock up and finely made to face a trial in the FIR, which was registered in this case. The petitioner, however, was acquitted of the charge. Only upon being released from jail, he has filed the present petition, seeking independent probe in regard to death of his father.