In a significant revelation, key witness Kikkar Singh has disclosed that 'Janki Sir Kilo' was the code name used for human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during his kidnapping, torture, and murder. Singh, who was incarcerated alongside Khalra in 1995, shared details of Khalra's final days and the message he carried to Khalra's family.
Kikkar Singh's Account of the Events
Kikkar Singh, now 55, recalled his ordeal during the peak of militancy in Punjab. Hailing from Jaura village in Tarn Taran, his family moved to Ludhiana in 1989 to escape police violence. Singh was first arrested on September 4, 1995, in connection with a land dispute and held at Jhabal Chowki. He was later transferred to Kang Chowki, where he shared a cell with Khalra.
According to Singh, Khalra was subjected to severe torture. “He was in such bad condition that he could not even pick up the roti offered to him. I gave him nearly one-and-a-half rotis, which turned out to be his last meal,” Singh told the Tribune. Khalra was taken from the police station and subsequently disappeared.
Code Name Revealed
Singh explained that on October 24, 1995, a wireless message came in with the code 'Cuback 2 Charlie' for DSP Jaspal Singh, followed by 'Take Janki Sir Kilo' for Khalra. This indicated that DSP Jaspal Singh was calling for Khalra. Singh intervened, telling police that Khalra had not eaten since morning.
“I asked him who he was. He said he was Jaswant Singh Khalra from Kabir Park, Amritsar, and told me, 'Jalladan de vas pai haan hun' (I have fallen into the hands of butchers),” Singh recalled.
Last Message and Aftermath
Before being taken away, Khalra asked Singh to deliver a message to his family that he was being held at Kang police station. Singh fulfilled this request after his release. However, upon learning that Singh had spoken to Khalra's family, the police implicated him in five false cases, leading to nearly three years in jail. Singh also survived an assassination attempt after his release in November 1995.
Singh became a key witness in the CBI trial, along with police constable Kuldeep Singh. His testimony was bolstered by scribbles he made on the lock-up wall, which later became crucial evidence.
Impact of 'Satluj' Film
The Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj', based on Khalra's life, has revived painful memories for Singh. The film, which was removed from ZEE5, depicted Singh, his wife, and his father as killed in an encounter. Singh expressed hurt over this portrayal, noting that his father Harbans Singh died a natural death in 2023.
Singh, who studied only until Class 5, now works as a truck driver and has a wife and three children. He continues to live under reduced security cover.
