A Punjab Police special investigation team (SIT) investigating the 2015 Behbal Kalan police firing incident has summoned former Union minister and BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sampla for questioning on June 22. The SIT issued the notice under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), requiring Sampla to appear at the Punjab Armed Police Complex in Jalandhar for examination and recording of his statement.
SIT's rationale and legal basis for summons
According to the official notice, the SIT believes Sampla is acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case. The notice warns that non-compliance may attract legal consequences under applicable provisions of law. The summons underscores the SIT's determination to gather all relevant information from individuals who may have knowledge of the events leading to the firing.
Sampla's response and request for extension
Confirming receipt of the notice, Sampla stated that he intends to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. In a handwritten endorsement on the official summons document, he cited prior organisational commitments, noting that BJP president Nitin Nabin is currently on an official tour of the state from June 20 to June 22, requiring his presence. Sampla formally requested an extension of the appearance date.
Sampla expressed surprise over the summons, maintaining that he has no direct or indirect nexus with the incidents under investigation. "Even though I have absolutely nothing to do with this case, I will definitely appear to clear any doubts they might have once a fresh date is assigned," Sampla said.
Background of the 2015 sacrilege incidents and protests
The case stems from a series of sacrilege incidents in Faridkot district in 2015. These included the theft of a 'bir' (copy) of Guru Granth Sahib from Burj Jawahar Singh Wala gurdwara, putting up handwritten sacrilegious posters in Bargari and Burj Jawahar Singh Wala, and torn pages of the holy book found scattered at Bargari. These incidents sparked widespread anti-sacrilege protests in Faridkot.
During the police firing at anti-sacrilege protesters in October 2015, two persons — Gurjeet Singh and Krishan Bhagwan Singh — were killed in Behbal Kalan, while several others were injured at Kotkapura in Faridkot. The SIT continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the firing and the role of various individuals.
