SIT formed on Punjab CM’s orders to probe attack on cricketer Suresh Raina’s kin

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 1

DGP Punjab has set up a Special investigation Team (SIT) to probe the attack on relatives of cricketer Suresh Raina on the orders of Chief Minister Amrinder Singh, who is personally monitoring the case.

Ashok Kumar, the cricketer’s uncle, died on the spot while his son Kaushal succumbed to his injuries on Monday.

Three other family members were injured, including Ashok Kumar’s wife, Asha Rani, who is reported to be in critical condition.

What happened to my family is Punjab was beyond horrible. My uncle was slaughtered to death, my bua & both my cousins had sever injuries. Unfortunately my cousin also passed away last night after battling for life for days. My bua is still very very critical & is on life support.

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 1, 2020

Till date we don’t know what exactly had happened that night & who did this. I request @PunjabPoliceInd to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. @capt_amarinder @CMOPb

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 1, 2020

Though initial investigations suggest that the attack had the signature of criminals belonging to a de-notified criminal tribe, who are often seen to operate along the Punjab-Himachal border, the SIT has been mandated to examine all possible angles, according to DGP Dinkar Gupta.

Specialised teams from Organised Crime Control Unit have also been roped in to carry out a 24X7 probe into the case.

Inter-state raids are being conducted to hunt the suspects involved in past crimes of similar nature, and more than 35 suspects are under the scanner.

Few persons from Himachal and Uttar Pradesh have been identified as suspicious and their mobile numbers and whereabouts are being located.

Raids have also been carried out in Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Amritsar in coordination with local police.

Six labourers who were working with the deceased Ashok Kumar have been interrogated. Tower dumps of the crime scene and nearby locations have been taken and sent for technical analysis to track suspicious movements, according to the DGP, who disclosed that CCTVs of the area and Army/ BSF area have been checked for any suspicious movement.

Investigations so far also suggest the accused had planned to rob or trespass three other houses in the neighbourhood.

Similar previous incidents in Punjab are also being checked to ascertain whether the suspects in those cases were in jail or out, according to the DGP.

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