Cop found at Satlok Ashram during police action sacked

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 29

The Haryana Police have dismissed a policeman found inside Satlok Ashram in Barwala during their operation to arrest Rampal.

This information was submitted in the Punjab and Haryana High Court during the hearing of contempt of court case against Rampal.

The High Court exempted Rampal, his aide Ram Kumar Dhaka and Dr OP Hooda from personal appearance. All three are facing a case of criminal contempt.

The orders came after Rampal’s counsel SK Garg Narwana contended that the accused was already in judicial custody, and there was no need to produce him before the High Court on every date of hearing.

As the case came up for resumed hearing, an affidavit by the Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) was placed before the High Court, stating that head constable Bijender Singh had been dismissed from service.

The orders were passed after holding that he was involved in the commission of criminal act. He acted in a manner most reprehensive, unexpected from a member of disciplined uniformed force.

The DGP submitted that 112 police personnel were injured during the police action. The detail of police personnel and their medical reports were also furnished.

The Army authorities, however, did not inform the court on action against Rajputana Rifles jawan Shayam Sunder arrested from the ashram. Taking exception, the High Court observed that such delay was not expected from the Defence Ministry.

“We cannot expect you to be so lethargic. One-and-a-half month was sufficient to act. How much more time is needed to act against the offender?” the Bench observed, while directing the Army authorities to act against the jawan.

The HC directed Rohtak sessions judge to inform Rampal’s co-accused about the proceedings to shift the trial to a court outside Rohtak.

The High Court, on a previous date of hearing, was told that a serving Armyman and a head constable were among the arrested. In all, six retired and serving personnel from the forces were apprehended.

Rampal is facing allegations of interfering in the judicial proceedings during the hearing of a case before the Hisar sessions court. The High Court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of alleged gherao of the court complex by the supporters of Rampal.