Special CBI Court in Mohali Declares Thakur Dilip Singh Proclaimed Offender
A Special CBI Court in Mohali has issued a public notice, formally declaring Thakur Dilip Singh as a Proclaimed Offender (PO). This action is in connection with multiple criminal cases that are intricately linked to the long-standing Namdhari sect succession dispute and two alleged murder cases. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of the accused's prolonged absence from legal proceedings.
Court's Stern Warning and Deadline
Taking a severe view of the accused's continued evasion, the court, presided over by Special CBI Judge Baljinder Singh Sra, noted that Dilip Singh has neither appeared before the court nor disclosed his current whereabouts. This has persisted despite repeated summons issued over several years, with the case under investigation for nearly nine years. The court has directed Dilip Singh to appear by April 8, failing which he will be formally declared a fugitive.
Upon such a declaration, authorities are empowered to initiate proceedings to attach his properties and escalate efforts to locate him. This could include the possibility of issuing an international Red Corner Notice, significantly intensifying the manhunt across borders.
Background of the Criminal Cases
The case pertains to multiple FIRs registered against Dilip Singh across various police stations, which were later consolidated and transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2017. The agency subsequently registered the case in Chandigarh and commenced a thorough probe. Dilip Singh has been allegedly implicated in several grave offenses, including:
- The murder of Mata Chand Kaur.
- A conspiracy to target Satguru Uday Singh and Jagtar Singh.
- The killing of Namdhari follower Avtar Singh.
Roots in Namdhari Sect Succession Dispute
The succession dispute dates back to 2012 following the death of Satguru Jagjit Singh, who had not publicly named a successor. This vacuum led to competing claims within the sect, with Uday Singh eventually assuming leadership at Sri Bhaini Sahib. This move was strongly opposed by Dilip Singh, fueling tensions and alleged criminal activities.
According to the CBI investigation, Dilip Singh is also accused of masterminding a conspiracy in December 2015 to eliminate Satguru Uday Singh and Jagtar Singh. This plot involved a tiffin bomb blast planned during the Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan in Jalandhar, for which an FIR was registered in the city.
Enforcement Agencies on High Alert
With the issuance of the PO notice, enforcement agencies are expected to ramp up their efforts to trace the accused. The goal is to ensure his appearance before the court to face justice. This development marks a critical juncture in a case that has lingered for years, highlighting the legal system's resolve to address complex sectarian and criminal matters.
The broader implications extend beyond individual allegations, touching on issues of religious leadership and internal conflicts within communities. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on whether Dilip Singh will comply or face intensified legal consequences.
