Convicted DSP Still Holds Gallantry Award Despite MHA Directive
Dismissed DSP Jaspal Singh, sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the 1995 abduction and murder of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, continues to hold the President's Police Medal for Gallantry, according to sources. Despite clear instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Punjab Police have allegedly failed to act on withdrawing the medal awarded to Jaspal Singh and former Tarn Taran SSP Ajit Singh Sandhu, both convicted in the case.
MHA Letter Highlights Non-Compliance
A letter sent by then Deputy Secretary SK Rastogi of the MHA in 2017, a copy of which is with The Tribune, notes that state governments are not strictly adhering to guidelines for medal withdrawal. The letter states: "It has been observed that the state governments are not strictly adhering to the guidelines related to withdrawal of medals. An instance has been noticed that a gallantry medal awardee was convicted by the Hon’ble court and subsequently dismissed from the service in 2006, but the state concerned did not bring the facts to the notice of this ministry."
Background of the Case
Former Tarn Taran SSP Ajit Singh Sandhu, charge-sheeted by the CBI in 1996 for his alleged role in Khalra's disappearance, died by suicide in 1997 before trial. Jaspal Singh was convicted by a CBI court in 2005, sentenced to life imprisonment, and his conviction was upheld by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2007 and the Supreme Court in 2011. He was released on interim bail in May 2023.
Legal Provisions for Medal Withdrawal
Under Rule 6 of the President’s Police Medal Rules and Rule 8 of the Police Medal Rules (1951), gallantry awards can be withdrawn if the recipient is convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude, dismissed for misconduct, or deemed by the President to have brought disrepute to the force. Despite repeated attempts, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav was not available for comment. An official requesting anonymity said that given the sensitivity in the wake of the movie "Satluj", no official would comment on the matter.
Details of the Murder
According to the prosecution, Khalra was shot dead inside a police station. His body was allegedly transported in the trunk of a vehicle and dumped into a canal near Harike in an attempt to destroy evidence. It has come to light that of eight police personnel convicted for the murder of Khalra, four have died, three are on parole or bail, while one is still incarcerated.
Government's Stance
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led AAP government maintained that it did not sign any file related to the premature release of Khalra murder case convicts.
