SIT presents challan in Hari Nau murder case

The special investigation team (SIT) probing the Hari Nau murder case today presented a challan against 12 of the 17 accused, in the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge, Faridkot. Among the accused are Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and designated terrorist Arsh Dalla.

The SIT submitted the challan just a day before the expiry of the one-month extension granted by the court to continue the investigation and retain the custody of the arrested accused. Four of the accused are currently abroad. The investigation against MP Amritpal Singh is pending as he is currently detained in the Dibrugarh Central Jail under the National Security Act (NSA).

According to SIT members, there is substantial circumstantial evidence linking the MP to Dalla. A former close associate of Amritpal Singh has reportedly given a statement confirming the MP’s frequent conversations with Dalla.

The case pertains to the murder of Gurpreet Singh, who was shot dead by three assailants in Hari Nau village of Faridkot on October 10 last year. So far, 12 persons have been arrested in connection with the case, which was registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The defence counsel argued that the SIT made no substantive progress in the extended period. They also criticised its failure to summon Amritpal Singh for questioning, despite knowing his detention in the Dibrugarh jail. Alleging political interference, the defence counsel contended that the SIT was yet to provide a valid reason for the delay in investigating the MP’s alleged involvement in the case.