Assn seeks compensation for kin of slain dancer

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 7

To protest the death of dancer Kulwinder Kaur, who was killed in the celebratory fire during a marriage function in Bathinda a few days ago, the Ludhiana Orchestra Association today took out a protest march outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office here. They have demanded a government job for next of kin and compensation for the family,

The members of the association submitted a memorandum to DC Ravi Bhagat to be forwarded to the Punjab Governor, the Chief Minister and the DGP.

The girl was killed at Ashirwad Palace in Bathinda when a youth, who was dancing near the stage, accidentally fired a shot which hit the girl in the head. She died on the spot.

The protesters raised slogans against the accused whose mistake led to Kulwinder’s death.

President of the association Arun Singh Bedi said in their memorandum, they had demanded a government job for a member of the dancer’s family and Rs 20 lakh as compensation.

“We have also demanded from Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal that the trial of the accused be put on the fast track and he be given harsh punishment soon. We will also meet the Chief Minister to raise all our demands before him,” Bedi said.

The association demanded that the district administration and the police should completely ban the use of weapons in marriage palaces, so such incident did not happen in the future. 

“Earlier also such incidents had taken place at marriage palaces but the police have failed to keep a check on celebratory firing. Now, the government should wake up from its deep slumber and cancel the arms licences of persons who use these in marriage palaces,” the protesters said.