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Rs 8.15L relief, job for kin; protest on

The kin of the deceased, along with members of various organisations, protest in Sangrur village.

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, November 17

Deadlock over the postmortem of Jagmale Singh (37), who died at the PGI in Chandigarh on Saturday after facing brutal assault allegedly by upper caste men, continued on the second day. The victim’s family members are yet to give their consent.

They are also allegedly getting threats from the accused even as various organisations continue with their protest at Changaliwala village on the Sunam-Jakhal road.

Fatal assault

Jagmale of Changaliwala village in Sangrur had an altercation over some petty issue with Rinku and 3 others on Oct 21, but the matter was resolved
On Nov 7, the accused allegedly detained him and beat him up after tying him to a pillar. When he asked for water, he was forced to drink urine
On Nov 13, the Lehra police had registered an FIR against Rinku, his father Amarjeet Singh, Lucky and Beeta
He was rushed to the PGI in a critical state. On Nov 13, his legs were amputated, but he succumbed to his injuries on Nov 16

The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 8.15 lakh to the family of Jagmale Singh under the SC/ST Act and Rs 5,000 per month pension to a member of the family, besides a government job. This was disclosed by Cabinet Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, who met the family members of the victim at the PGI here on Sunday. The minister also assured the family members that the assailants would be brought to book. tns

Meanwhile, unions and leaders of various political parties have also announced to support the protest. Patiala Zone IGP Jatinder Singh Aulakh, who visited the town today, directed Sangrur SSP Sandeep Garg to file chargesheet in the case within a week.

Members of the Zameen Prapati Sangharash Committee, BKU (Ugrahan), Pendu Khet Mazdoor Union and Mazdoor Mukti Morcha and Krantikari Pendum Mazdoor Union along with area residents have blocked the Sunam-Jakhal road at Changaliwala village. The protesters are demanding Rs 50-lakh compensation and a government job for deceased’s wife Manjit Kaur.

Dalit crusader joins agitation

Dalit Bant Singh Jhabbar, who lost both his arms and a leg after being attacked by upper caste men in 2006 when he sought punishment for the gangrape of his daughter, also joined the protest. He said Dalits were being targeted repeatedly and the government had failed to protect them. Jhabbar called upon Dalit, farmer and trade organisations to come together to protest against government.

Mukesh Malaud, president, ZPSC, said: “Accused’s friends are offering money, while others have approached the victim’s sister and claimed that they would get bail with the help of the police. The government is yet to accept our demands, while its officers are trying to create a rift between the organisations and family members.”

Harpal Cheema, Leader of Opposition, said: “Apart from financial relief and job, the government should provide security to the family. We also demand action against doctors and cops for delayed action on their part. I would take up the matter with the senior authorities.”

State AAP convener Bhagwant Mann said he would raise the issue in Parliament on Monday and seek justice for the family.

Some relatives of deceased also alleged that local Congress activists of the area were supporting the accused, but former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal refuted the claim.

“Changaliwala is the village of my in-laws and I know all families. I also know the victim, who used to work for us. I would ensure strictest

punishment to accused and help victim’s family,” said Bhattal, while talking The Tribune over the phone.

Dr Joginder Dayal, member, national council of the CPI, demanded a strict punishment for accused.