Amritsar-based goldsmith ends life; MLA’s PA, ASI booked

PK Jaiswar

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 9

While accusing a personal assistant of the ruling party’s MLA and an Assistant Sub- Inspector besides a neighbour for harassing him, Sukhwinder Singh, a goldsmith committed suicide by consuming some poisonous substance here on Tuesday.

The police recovered a suicide note from the spot on the basis of which the police have booked the PA, identified as Paramjit Singh, ASI Narinder Singh and the victim’s neighbour Harbhajan Singh for abetment to suicide.

Relatives of the victim said Sukhwinder and Harbhajan, both goldsmiths, had a dispute over some monetary issue a few days ago. Following this, Harbhajan attacked his residence and assaulted the family members of Sukhwinder.

In the suicide note, Sukhwinder Singh alleged that he had a monetary dispute with Harbhajan Singh. He said Harbhajan along with his son and several unidentified persons attacked his house and ransacked it, besides injuring him and his family members on October 25. They also damaged his car and a scooter during the assault.

He alleged instead of taking action against him, Division-B police acted in a biased manner and registered a case against him after bribing ASI Narinder Singh. He said the day before yesterday, the PA invited both the parties for striking a compromise. However, he was humiliated and pressurised to cough out money for cancelling the FIR.

He alleged the PA also demanded money for striking a compromise. He also alleged that the ASI threatened to arrest him and his family members, including women. The ASI said he would not let them out of the jail for six months, Sukhwinder alleged in the suicide note. He said Harbhajan also threatened to set their house on fire.

Upset over all this, Sukhwinder said he could not fight them and face the harassment. Therefore, I am ending my life. He also urged senior police authorities for doing justice, besides praying his friends and relatives to stand by his family.

Following the incident, SAD leaders led by Talbir Singh Gill, held a demonstration  outside the Division B police station here which was lifted after Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Harpal Singh assured them of registering an FIR and arresting the suspects in the case.

SAD leader Talbir Singh Gill said there was nothing in the name of law and order. Innocent people were being implicated in false cases at the behest of Congress leaders. “We demand immediate arrest of the accused — ASI Narinder Singh and Harbhajan Singh,” he said.

He said the police had assured them of arresting the PA and the ASI. Harbhajan Singh was nabbed by party workers and later handed over to the police.