The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the 2015 Behbal Kalan firing incidents has summoned former Punjab BJP president and former chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Vijay Sampla, along with retired IAS officer Gagandeep Singh Brar and former Faridkot Deputy Commissioner Malwinder Singh Jaggi for questioning. The summons were issued on Saturday, coinciding with BJP national president Nitin Nabin's three-day tour of Punjab.
Summons Details
The three individuals have been directed to appear before the SIT at the GOs Mess, PAP Complex, Jalandhar, at 11 am on Monday. The notice, issued under Section 179(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, stated that they appeared to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case and were being called for examination and recording of statements.
Sampla, who was served the notice at his Phagwara residence on Saturday night, said he would be unable to appear on Monday due to BJP national president Nitin Nabin's ongoing Punjab visit and requested another date. In his written response on the acknowledgement copy of the notice, he stated: "After June 22, whichever time you schedule, I will appear."
Sampla's Response
Before receiving the notice, Sampla told TOI: "I have nothing to do with Behbal Kalan. There is not even the remotest link. Some reports are suggesting that I have been summoned in connection with a letter to the governor, which is not in my knowledge. I don't know why my name is coming up. I will go if SIT summons me."
A senior police officer indicated that Sampla is likely to be questioned regarding a memorandum submitted to the then Punjab governor by him and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) functionaries during his tenure as Punjab BJP chief. The memorandum alleged a "deeprooted conspiracy" behind the sacrilege incidents and was later referenced by the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission of Inquiry, which was constituted by the previous Congress government led by Captain Amarinder Singh.
Other Summoned Individuals
Jaggi stated he was in Shimla with his family and had not received any notice. "Maybe someone visited my place and, finding me absent, went away. I cannot comment on this," he said. Brar neither confirmed nor denied receiving the summons. At the time of the Behbal Kalan firing, Brar was the special principal secretary to then Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
Background of the Case
The latest move by the SIT comes days after it recorded the statement of former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh in connection with the probe into the Behbal Kalan firing cases. In October 2015, two anti-sacrilege protesters were killed in police firing at Behbal Kalan. The SIT is continuing its investigation into the incident.
