SGPC Condemns Delhi Government's Decision on Bhullar Release Petition
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has strongly condemned the Delhi government's recent decision to once again reject the release petition of Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. The SGPC has termed this action as a blatant act of injustice against the Sikh community, highlighting ongoing concerns over fairness and human rights.
Statement from SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami
In a statement issued from Amritsar on Tuesday, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami expressed deep disappointment with the decision. He pointed out that during the tenure of the Aam Aadmi Party government, Bhullar's release petition was rejected multiple times by the Sentence Review Board of the Delhi government. Now, under the BJP government, the same pattern is being followed, with decisions that go against Sikh sentiments.
Dhami emphasized the inconsistency in the government's approach, noting that while the Sentence Review Board recommended remission of sentences for several other prisoners, Bhullar's case was singled out for rejection. He described this as a clear violation of human rights, which is causing widespread disappointment and frustration within the Sikh community.
Background on Devinderpal Singh Bhullar's Case
Devinderpal Singh Bhullar was accused of involvement in a deadly attack on the then Youth Congress chief M S Bitta in 1993 at the Youth Congress premises on Raisina Road in Delhi. The attack resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, while Bitta managed to escape. Bhullar was sentenced to death in 2001, but in a significant turn of events in March 2014, the Supreme Court commuted his death penalty to life imprisonment.
The Supreme Court's decision was based on delays in processing his mercy petition and concerns over his mental health, factors that the SGPC argues should be considered in his release.
Allegations of Double Standards and Call for Justice
Dhami criticized the BJP government for what he sees as double standards. "On one hand, the BJP claims to be sympathetic towards Sikhs, but on the other, the government's approach in Sikh-related matters exposes its hypocrisy," he stated. He reminded that Sikhs have always made immense sacrifices for the nation and deserve fair treatment.
Dhami appealed to the government to deliver justice in Bhullar's case, noting that he has already spent more time in jail than the prescribed sentence for his crimes. He urged authorities to issue orders for Bhullar's immediate release, arguing that continued incarceration is unjust given the circumstances.
The SGPC's condemnation underscores ongoing tensions between Sikh groups and government authorities over issues of justice and human rights, with this case serving as a focal point for broader community grievances.
