A blot on Sikhi, say Sarbjit’s kin

Notably, the photo of her passport that went viral on social media carries the address of Chhapianwali village.

Speaking to The Tribune, her younger brother, who requested anonymity, said, “My sister’s act is a kalank (blot) on Sikhi and has shamed us. We are unable to show our face to anyone. Even those who don’t know us ask whether we are related to Sarbjit’s family. One can imagine our situation. We had snapped ties with her and her family about four months ago. Even earlier, we met only on social occasions.”

Sharing family details, he added, “We are four siblings, two brothers and two elder sisters. Our father has passed away, while mother lives with us in the village here. Sarbjit is the eldest, around 60 years old. She is married at Amanipur village in Kapurthala district. Fake reports are circulating in Pakistani media that she is divorced. Her husband is in England, and she lives with his family, including their two sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, at their Amanipur house. Her husband was expected to return to India around Diwali, but could not come due to some legal formalities there.”

Narrating their ordeal after Sarbjit’s disappearance, he said, “Ever since we heard through news channels that she is missing and has even married in Pakistan, various wings of the state police have sought details from us. Till then, we were not even aware that she had gone to Pakistan. We are God fearing people. We own some agricultural land in the village and earn by repairing water-lifting motors. Anyone can check our antecedents. Now, we are being told to depose in her financial dispute case as well.”

Another angry family member even said that they would “not feel remorse even if she is killed in Pakistan”. They added that earlier some indecent photos and videos involving Sarbjit’s family had reached the police. “That matter was however resolved within the family. We were never aware of their internal issues as we never shared cordial relations with them,” the family said.

Jashandeep Singh, sarpanch of Chhapianwali, confirmed that villagers had told him that the family had not been in touch with Sarbjit for several months.

A senior police officer said, “We are investigating the matter, but the family at Chhapianwali appears to be telling the truth.”