Akal Takht Jathedar Demands Justice for BSF Jawan Who Died in NCB Custody
In a significant development, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, the officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, visited the residence of BSF jawan Jaswinder Singh in Amritsar on Sunday. The visit came in response to allegations that Jaswinder Singh was tortured to death while in the custody of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently.
Family's Account and Assurances of Support
During his visit, Giani Gargaj listened attentively to the family's detailed account of the incident. He assured them of unwavering support in their ongoing fight for justice. The jathedar emphasized that the family had observed clear and severe marks of torture on Jaswinder Singh's body, which they believe directly led to his tragic death.
Public Address and Calls for Government Action
According to an official release from the Akal Takht, Giani Gargaj addressed the sangat during a religious event at Mahlowal in the R S Pura area of Jammu. In his speech, he called upon Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Jammu and Kashmir government to take immediate and decisive action to ensure justice for Jaswinder Singh's grieving family.
Giani Gargaj stated, "Jaswinder Singh was brutally tortured in NCB custody, resulting in his death. If he had committed any offence, there are established laws and courts in our country to handle such matters. He should have been punished according to the law, not subjected to fatal torture."
Background of the Deceased Jawan
Jaswinder Singh was a dedicated member of the Border Security Force, serving along the Bangladesh border. He had returned home on leave when he was allegedly picked up by NCB officials. The circumstances surrounding his detention and subsequent death have raised serious questions about custodial practices and accountability.
Demands for Legal Action and Political Accountability
The jathedar firmly demanded that a case be registered against the responsible NCB officials and that they face stringent punishment for their actions. He warned that if the government fails to act against the accused officials, the entire Khalsa Panth would raise its collective voice to demand justice.
Giani Gargaj also expressed disappointment that no political leaders from the Jammu region have yet spoken out to support the victim's family. He highlighted this as an unfortunate lapse in political responsibility and advocacy for justice.
Broader Implications and Community Response
This incident has sparked concerns about human rights and custodial safety within law enforcement agencies. The Akal Takht's involvement underscores the community's deep concern and the urgent need for transparency and accountability in such cases. The call for justice resonates beyond the immediate family, touching on broader issues of legal integrity and protection of citizens' rights.
