Punjab & Haryana High Court Orders FIR Against 4 Cops For Allegedly Detaining Couple 'Illegally' In Suicide Case

The Bench of Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi ordered thus after receiving the report from the District and Sessions Judge, Moga.

The said report categorically stated that SI Karamjit Singh, SHO P.S. Badhni Kalan, ASI Jaswant Rai, Gunman Pawan Kumar, and one lady police official are guilty of illegal detention of Shinda Singh and Paramjit Kaur (the couple).

The background of the case

A habeas corpus petition has been filed by one Manjit Kaur, contenting that her son-in-law, Shinda Singh and her daughter, Paramjit Kaur, have been illegally detained by the police officials of police station Badhni Kalan, district Moga in connection with an abetment to suicide case.

Looking at the facts of the case, the Court had observed that it unmistakably pointed to a tainted investigation.

"The deceased is not alleged to have left any suicide note. There is serious doubt as to whether allegations made by Ravinder Kumar make out prima facie case as to the commission of offence punishable under Section 306 of the IPC against persons named," the Court had observed.

Further, in view of allegations as to illegal detention of Shinda Singh and Paramjit Kaur (couple) and as to registration of FIR on March 4, 2021 and their arrest immediately thereafter on that very date, the Court had an inquiry by the District & Sessions Judge, Moga.

Thereafter, the inquiry conducted by the District & Sessions Judge, Moga affirmed the alleged facts, and therefore, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Moga had been directed to register FIR against the police officials.

The Court also directed to constitute a special investigation team of police officers/officials from other police stations/sub-division for investigation of the case.

The Court has called for the compliance report regarding registration of the FIR against the above said persons before September 3, 2021.

As per the report of the Indian Express, the Moga Police yesterday booked four of its personnel for allegedly detaining the couple illegally.

An FIR has been registered against sub-inspector Karamjit Singh (former SHO Badhni Kalan police station), ASI Jaswant Singh, gunman Pawan Kumar and a lady cop – under section 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement) – at Badhni Kalan police station.