Fair probe promised, kin of murder victim end stir

The family of the Sehna murder victim called off its protest six days after the incident following an assurance of an impartial probe by the district administration.

Meanwhile, a board of three doctors conducted the autopsy and the victim will be cremated on Saturday.

Sukhbinder Singh Calcutta (45), son of Sehna village’s former sarpanch Malkit Kaur, was shot dead at a shop outside the village bus stand on October 4. The family, along with several protesters, had been primarily demanding the registration of a case against Bhadaur Aam Aadmi Party legislator Labh Singh Ugoke, alleging his role in the murder.

However, there was no assurance on it. Earlier, in January 2023, Ugoke had courted controversy by telling Sukhbinder that he would have been thrashed and thrown in prison for opposing the government if any party other than AAP had been in power. A purported video of his statement had surfaced on social media.

Former MP and ‘Insaaf Committee’ member Rajdev Singh Khalsa said the family had reached a settlement with the authorities and expressed their wish to perform the last rites. The 21-member committee, which was formed to seek justice, was also dissolved.

The cremation of Sukhbinder will be held on Saturday.

“We have assured the family of an impartial probe and reimbursement of pending bills for works carried out in the village during their tenure as sarpanch as per rules,” said T Benith, Barnala Deputy Commissioner.

Earlier, several rounds of talks between the protesters, police and the civil administration had remained inconclusive.

Three residents of Sehna village, Harjinder Singh, alias Jinder, who allegedly shot dead Sukhbinder, Gurdeep Dass, alias Deepi Bawa, who allegedly had enmity with the deceased over panchayat elections, and Jagwinder Singh, alias Paplu, who allegedly accompanied Jinder to procure a pistol from Ludhiana, were arrested within 24 hours of the murder.