Martyred SP’s son appointed DSP; family to get Rs 25 lakh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 30

Recognising the bravery of slain SP (Detective) Baljit Singh who laid down his life in the Dinanagar terror attack, the state government has decided to appoint his son as Deputy Superintendent of Police, besides allowing ex gratia grant of Rs 25 lakh to his family.

This decision was taken by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with senior officers of the civil and police administration here at the Chief Minister’s residence this evening.

Similarly, all the police personnel and civilians injured in the counter-insurgency operation will be given an ex gratia grant of Rs 3 lakh each. The entire expenditure on their treatment even in the private hospitals will be borne by the state government.

The Chief Minister also asked the state Home Department to recommend awarding the President Police Medal for gallantry posthumously to SP(D) Baljit Singh, in addition to Inspector Balbir Singh and Head Constable Tara Singh in recognition of their unprecedented bravery and highly professional conduct.

Saluting the valour of members of the Punjab Police, the Chief Minister allowed the family members of the policemen killed in the operation to draw full pay till the time of their superannuation.

Badal said that the children of the martyred policemen would be given education free of cost.

Appreciating the courage shown by Nanak Chand, the Punjab Roadways driver who steered the passengers to safety, the Chief Minister has decided to honour him at the state-level Independence Day function with the state award, besides giving financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh.

His name will also be recommended for the gallantry award for civilians to be conferred by the Government of India.

Lauding the enormous contribution of the Punjab Police, especially the SWAT Commandoes, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today praised the bravery with which the Punjab Police countered this terror attack.

The Chief Minister also asked the DGP to place this official appreciation in the service record of the policemen as it would not only boost the morale of the force, but also inspire others to emulate their gallantry.

The police have already issued appointment letters for the job of constable that were offered to a member of the families of three Punjab Home Guards who were killed in the terror attack.

Similarly, a family member of the civilians who lost their lives in the attack will also be given a government job.