Nine Years Pass, Maur Blast Victims' Families Still Await Justice in Bathinda
The town of Maur in Bathinda district, which was shaken by a devastating explosion on January 31, 2017, observed a somber ninth anniversary this week. The powerful blast, triggered by an explosive device planted in a Maruti Suzuki 800 car, claimed seven innocent lives, leaving deep scars on the community. Remarkably, the town remained largely silent on the anniversary, with no public remembrance meetings organized by local residents. Instead, grieving families chose to commemorate their loved ones through private, personal gatherings, reflecting a community still grappling with unresolved trauma and a prolonged quest for justice.
Blast Details and Political Context
The tragic incident occurred on the evening of January 31, 2017, on Truck Union Road in Maur. It took place shortly after Congress candidate Harminder Singh Hassi concluded a public meeting. Hassi, whose daughter is married to the son of Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim, was campaigning just four days ahead of the Punjab assembly elections. The timing and location of the blast have added layers of complexity to the investigation, intertwining political and religious dimensions in a case that continues to baffle authorities.
Victims Remembered: Young Lives Lost
The blast snuffed out seven precious lives, including several children and young adults. The victims were:
- Japsimaran Singh, aged 15
- Sourav Singla, aged 14
- Ankush, aged 11
- Ripandeep Singh, aged 9
- Barkha, aged 12
- Ashok Kumar, Barkha's father, aged 40
- Harpal Singh Pali, aged 41, office manager of Harminder Singh Jassi
These individuals, whose lives were cut short in a moment of violence, are remembered by their families with profound sorrow and an unwavering demand for accountability.
Investigation Stalled: No Arrests Made
Despite the passage of nine years, the investigation into the Maur blast has seen little progress. Three individuals, alleged to be followers of Dera Sacha Sauda, were named as accused in the case. However, no arrests have been made to date, leaving bereaved families in a state of anguish and frustration. Khushdeep Singh, father of deceased Japsimaran Singh, expressed the collective pain of the victims' families, stating, "The wounds haven't healed, as we are endlessly waiting to get justice. No accused was arrested. We want the culprits to be arrested and given exemplary punishment."
Community Silence and Ongoing Struggle
The absence of public commemoration events in Maur this year underscores the town's silent suffering and the unresolved nature of the tragedy. While families privately honor their lost loved ones, the broader community and the bereaved continue to await closure. The lack of arrests has not only delayed justice but also perpetuated a sense of insecurity and unanswered questions among residents. As years turn into a decade, the call for a thorough investigation and swift legal action grows louder, echoing through the quiet streets of Bathinda district.
