'Amazed To See Shocking Approach': Punjab & Haryana HC On Police's Failure To Arrest Realtor Booked In Fraud, Intimidation Cases For 16 Yrs
The Punjab & Haryana High Court has flagged the lackadaisical approach of the Punjab Police by not arresting a Punjab relator, Jarnail Singh Bajwa for 16 years in criminal intimidation and fraud cases.
Justice Sandeep Moudgil said, "This Court is amazed to see shocking approach of law enforcing agency as one FIR...with Police Station Kharar, dated 02.10.2008 is also pending investigation without his arrest i.e. more than 16 years by now for offecnes under Sections 323, 452, 506, 148, 149 and 120-B IPC. Apart from that in FIR No...dated 25.07.2017 and FIR No..., dated 18.08.2017 with Police Station City Kharar, his arrest is awaited for seven years."
These observations were made while hearing the petition filed by one Kuldeepak Mittal, who was working as a partner in a firm with Bajwa. The petitioner contended that the bail granted to Jarnail Singh was cancelled by the High Court vide order dated October 20, 2023. But action to arrest him had so far not been initiated.
Previously, the Court had also summoned DGP Punjab over the negligent approach of Punjab Police in investigating over 50 FIRs lodged against him on various charges including fraud and irregularities in the residential and commercial projects.
After facing the Court's wrath the Punjab Police arrested Bajwa in an FIR pertaining to fraud case.
In the present proceeding, Bajwa was produced in the High Court in person in compliance with the previous order.
Perusing the report submitted by the SSP of District SAS Nagar the Court noted that, "a time frame report has been furnished qua the investigation to be completed in 20 FIRs registered in District SAS Nagar alone..."
The judge also took note of "the details of property attached by way of an affidavit", however, it added that Bajwa has not furnished complete details of moveable assets which by all means should include bank account details along with fixed deposit policies etc. wherein, he might have invested money earned after duping hundreds of home seekers.
On this, the senior counsel appearing for Bajwa submitted that the complete details of the property will be filed before the Court on the next date.
"Keeping in view the gravity and sensitivity involved in the petition", the Court directed Bajwa not to transfer, sell, or dispose of, any of the properties detailed in the affidavit dated 20.09.2024 filed in Court, till further orders.
The matter is listed for September, 25 for further consideration.
Mr. R.K. Jaswal, Advocate for the petitioner.
Mr. ADS Sukhija, Addl. A.G., Punjab.
Mr. Bipan Ghai, Sr. Advocate with Mr. Nikhil Ghai and Mr. P.S. Bindra, Advocate for respondent No.4.
Title: KULDEEPAK MITTAL v. STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS