Akal Takht Jathedar seeks death penalty, dismissal of negligent cops in Jalandhar girl’s murder case

Akal Takht Sahib’s officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, on Thursday demanded death penalty for the accused in the brutal murder of a 13-year-old girl in Jalandhar and called for the immediate dismissal of police officials who allegedly showed negligence during the initial probe.

The Jathedar — who visited the victim’s family and expressed his condolences — strongly criticised the police for failing to act when the family first reported the girl missing. He said the accused’s house was not searched thoroughly, and that this lapse allowed the tragedy to unfold unchecked. “Those responsible for such negligence should be removed from service,” he asserted.

Gargaj attended the bhog of the Akhand Path and the antim ardas, where he prayed for the girl and addressed the gathering. He said the crime reflected a “devilish mindset” and termed the incident deeply disturbing and heartbreaking. “Punjab has a tradition of respecting daughters. Such acts shake the conscience of society,” he added.

Assuring the family of full support from the Akal Takht and the Sikh community, the Jathedar said justice must be swift and exemplary. He reiterated that the accused should be awarded capital punishment to deter such crimes in the future.