Punjab Women's Commission Takes Suo Motu Notice in Advocate's Mysterious Death Case
The Punjab State Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the mysterious death of advocate Diljot Sharma from Mansa, who died under suspicious circumstances in Ludhiana on January 5. On Thursday, the commission formally requested a comprehensive status report from the Ludhiana police commissionerate, setting a deadline of January 27 for submission.
Commission's Directives and Investigation Demands
Earlier, the commission had sent an initial letter to the police commissioner on January 20. According to sources, commission chairperson Raj Lali Gill personally called Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma on Thursday to emphasize the urgency of the matter. The commission has specifically demanded:
- Complete viscera and postmortem reports
- Forensic analysis of the handwriting in the purported suicide note
- All related forensic sciences laboratory findings
Gill stated, "As the deceased's mother raised serious doubts about the authenticity of the suicide note, I have directed the commissioner to ensure thorough forensic examination and provide the complete report to the commission by January 27, along with an interim update before that date."
Family's Concerns and Background of the Deceased
The commission's intervention came after the deceased's mother, Veerpal Kaur, approached the commission with her suspicions about the handwriting in the alleged suicide note. Kaur, who works as an Aaganwadi worker, revealed that she spoke to her daughter at 1 PM on January 5, just hours before the tragic incident.
"She was completely fine during our conversation," Kaur recalled. "She even asked for Rs 2,000 to buy new shoes. Later that evening, I received the devastating news that Diljot had died."
Diljot Sharma, a resident of Ralla village in Mansa and a member of the Mansa District Bar Association, was known for her work with left-leaning social organizations. Her death was initially treated as suicide by authorities, but growing questions have prompted multiple investigations.
Growing Protests and Community Response
Veerpal Kaur, accompanied by members of the 'Justice for Diljot' action committee, has traveled from Mansa to Ludhiana to meet with police officials. The committee, comprising representatives from various social, farmer, employee organizations, and the bar association, held a significant protest outside the Mansa SSP office on Thursday.
The protesters demanded an impartial and transparent investigation into Diljot Sharma's mysterious death. They submitted a memorandum addressed to the governor through police officials and announced plans for another protest at the Ludhiana police commissioner's office on February 2.
Police Response and Investigation Timeline
Police officials have informed the action committee that they aim to complete their investigation by January 29. Earlier, a delegation from the Mansa District Bar Association had met with the Ludhiana ADCP to discuss the case. The combination of family concerns, community protests, and now formal commission oversight has created mounting pressure for a thorough and credible investigation into this troubling case.
