Bhim murder: SC allows mother to file SLP

Our Correspondent

Abohar, November 20

The Supreme Court has granted permission to slain Dalit youth Bhim Tank’s mother to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging an order passed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in connection with the murder case.

Bhim (27), grandson of freedom fighter and two-time councilor Kashmiri Lal Tank (Congress), had been working for liquor baron and SAD halqa incharge Shiv Lal Doda. He was allegedly called to Doda’s farmhouse on December 11, 2015. About two dozen armed henchmen chopped off Bhim’s limbs leading to his death. Gurjant Singh, alias Janta Lahoria, who had accompanied Bhim to Doda’s farmhouse, survived the assault even as his limbs were also chopped off. Gurjant, his brother and uncle had backtracked from their statements during the trial. The SC and HC had rejected bail applications of the liquor baron. He has been presently lodged at Amritsar Central Jail.

The counsels for the affected family had requested the trial court at Fazilka to allow evidence of Sant Nagar resident Akash. His statement was recorded at the initial stage by the local police but name not included in the list of witnesses attached to the challans presented in the court. The accused challenged it in the High Court, which granted stay against such move. The HC had also asked the trial court to complete the process in three months.

Bhim’s mother Kaushalya Devi approached the Supreme Court on seeking permission to file a Special Leave Petition (Criminal). Senior advocate Yadav Narender Singh pleaded that evidence of Akash was significant as he claimed to have met Bhim before his death.

Upon hearing the counsel, a double Bench of the SC granted permission to file an SLP. A notice to the state government has been issued.