Bhim Tank murder: Doda moves fresh application for bail

Our Correspondent

Abohar, August 10

Slain Dalit youth Bhim Tank’s mother Kaushalya Devi has vehemently opposed the fresh plea for regular bail filed by liquor baron and accused Shiv Lal Doda in the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge at Fazilka.

Surinder Pal Singh Tinna, High Court senior advocate, and other counsels said here today that 54 witnesses out of 85 had so far deposed in the trial court, while five were dropped. A private witness, Akash, was yet to appear in the court, whereas assault victim Gurjant Singh Janta, his brother Ranjeet Singh Rana and maternal uncle Bhola Singh had backtracked from previous statements.

Former halqa incharge of the SAD, Doda’s bail applications had earlier been rejected by the district court, High Court and Supreme Court. The SC had, however, given Doda liberty to move a fresh plea for bail before the trial court.

He has submitted that he had not been feeling well in the Amritsar District Jail. Tinna said the HC had rejected bail applications filed by other accused in the Bhim Tank murder – Sukhjit Singh, Rajiv, Dhanraj and Simran Singh — and directed the trial court to decide the case within three months. “We have challenged the grant of bail by the HC to accused Sandeep Singh and Jaggu,” Tinna added.

“We are ready to cooperate if the learned court takes up hearing on daily basis,” Tinna said.