Day after, Sikh bodies want FIR against Dalit protesters

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 8

A day after a Dalit youth, Gopi, was shot at by a shopkeeper at Nakodar, the police today remanded Nirvail Singh, along with his brother Palwinder Singh, to a day in police custody. The duo were arrested yesterday.

With Sikh groups demanding a counter FIR against those who broke into shops in Nakodar yesterday, the police remained on a pro-active mode, brokering peace between both the sides following tension due to the bandh marked with skirmishes. Meanwhile, Gopi, who was shot in the abdomen, remains critical.

Over 100 members of 12 Sikh organisations, including the Sikh Talmel Committee and the Satkar Committee, held a dharna outside the Nakodar police station today from 9 am to 2 pm. They demanded a counter-FIR against those who attacked the shop of Nrivail Singh.

Harpal Singh Chadha of the Sikh Talmel Committee alleged, “A group of 20 people bearing swords broke into Nirvail’s shop asking him to close it as its shutter was half open. Following a verbal altercation, his establishment was attacked and glasses, furnishings and equipment were broken. We have sought an FIR against those who caused damage to the shop. His act was in self defence. An application was submitted to the police today and the latter have assured us that the complaint will be looked into.”

Surjit Singh Khosa of the Satkar Committee, Hardeep Singh Robin, Gurdeep Singh were also present. Police officials, including SP Parminder Singh and SP (Investigation) Rajbir Singh, also met committee members and pacified them while receiving their complaint.

SP (Investigation) Rajbir Singh said, “Certain demands have been made and we are looking into it. We are examining the issue. The shop owners and his brother have been arrested and remanded to police custody. They will be presented in a court again tomorrow.”

The incident had happened during the statewide bandh by the Valmiki community demanding withdrawal of TV serial ‘Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush’ yesterday. The telecast of the serial has subsequently been banned by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh.