Three cops suspended, Rs5 lakh reward for info

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, December 19

The murder of 25-year-old Neeraj has become a major challenge for the Karnal police as his family and those from the Ror community have refused to perform his last rites till the accused were arrested.

He was shot dead yesterday outside his house in Vikas Colony. Following this, the police have announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for information about the main accused Neeraj Punia, who is a history-sheeter. The policemen have also been suspended for negligence in the case.

After efforts by Gharaunda MLA Harvinder Kalyan, assurances by IG Hanif Kureshi and SP Abhishek Garg, the family agreed to the post-mortem.

Shiv Kumar, a cousin of the deceased, alleged that the police was shielding Neeraj who had killed his brother Amit Kumar on January 21 and now had murdered Neeraj, he added.

He alleged that the PCR, which used to be stationed outside the deceased’s house, was removed a few days ago without any intimation. Action should be taken against the officers responsible for this lapse.

Even after police protection, Neeraj was shot dead in broad day light in front of his house which was an act of gross negligence by the police, he alleged.

His family members and those from the Ror community shouted slogans against the police today.

“We have announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for information about the main accused Neeraj Punia. He is a most wanted criminal in many districts,” SP Abhishek Garg, said.

Those suspended include Inspector Narinder Kumar, HC Baljeet and Constable Sunil.

The police have registered a case against Neeraj Punia, Sandeep Punia, Brijpal, Bittu, Deepak Punia and mother of Neeraj Punia under Sections 302, 307, 148, 149, 120-B of the IPC. Eight SITs have been constituted and raids were underway to nab the accused in Haryana, UP, Delhi and Punjab.