Portugal orders probe on Pamma’s complaint

Manish Sirhindi

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 26

After blocking India’s attempts to extradite Babbar Khalsa International activist Paramjit Singh Pamma, the Portuguese authorities have now ordered an inquiry into the criminal complaint filed on his behalf against three Punjab cops, who visited Portugal to bring him back.

US-based human rights group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had sought European Arrest Warrants (EAW) against DIG Balkar Sidhu, SP Ashish Kapoor and DSP Rajinder Sohal. Pamma is wanted for the alleged murder of RSS head Rulda Singh in 2009.

Pamma alleged he was tortured by Kapoor while the latter was posted at Mohali while Sidhu and Sohal faced the charge of extra judicial killing of Surjit Singh in May 1992, and Tajinder Singh Billu in May 1993, respectively.

In the recent order Rosa Rocha, adviser to the Prosecutor General’s office stated that “the complaint filed with the Attorney General of the Republic by an Indian citizen, Paramjit Singh Pamma, has been forwarded to the Department of Investigation and Penal Action in Lisbon”.

Pamma’ lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said the complaint against the Punjab cops was filed under laws Number 31/2004 and 59/2007 which provide jurisdiction over crimes committed outside Portugal.

After being arrested by the Portugal police from Algarve region in December last year on basis of a red corner notice issued by India, Pamma filed a complaint there against the cops on January 28. The trio returned to India the same day fearing detention by the Portuguese authorities.

He said the EAW was valid throughout all member states of the European Union (EU) and persons’ subject of such warrants may be detained by any EU member state”.