Witness alleges threats from accused, approaches cops

AMRITSAR: A witness in the Inderpreet Chadha suicide case has lodged a complaint with the Police Commissioner and the Chheharta police alleging that one of the accused in the case has threatened him of dire consequence if he appears in the court to record his statement.

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 10

A witness in the Inderpreet Chadha suicide case has lodged a complaint with the Police Commissioner and the Chheharta police alleging that one of the accused in the case has threatened him of dire consequence if he appears in the court to record his statement.

Anil Kumar, a resident of Chheharta, said, “One of the accused Surjit Singh, along with his wife, had come to my house on December 5. They tried to lure me with money and when I did not budge, they threatened me of dire consequences.”

However, Surjit Singh could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

Harish Behal, SHO, Chheharta police station, confirmed the development and said he had received a complaint in this connection.

The SHO said a probe into the allegations was on.

Anil said Surjit, along with his wife and driver Neet Singh, had come to his house. “First, he asked me not to appear in the court and give any statement. When I did not budge, they threatened that he could harm me and my family. He also said his men are continuously keeping a watch on me. He threatened me to be ready to pay the price if I do not relent.”

Inderpreet Chadha had shot himself on January 3 days after a “sleaze” video purportedly showing his father, the then Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) president Charanjit Singh Chadha, with a woman principal had gone viral.

After the video surfaced, the police had booked Charanjit and Inderpreet. The latter was then the vice-president of the CKD. Thereafter, both were expelled by the CKD management.

Inderpreet had committed suicide by shooting himself in his car on the airport road here.

The police and his family had found suicide notes in which he had named several persons who allegedly cheated and intimidated him, including his brother Harjit Chadha.

He had urged the Chief Minister and the DGP to ensure justice.

The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge had framed charges under Sections 306 (abetment of suicide), 384 (extortion) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC against nine persons, including Surjit Singh.