SIT questions more top cops

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 7

The special investigation team (SIT) probing the Kotkapura police firing incident has issued summons to former SAD MLA Mantar Singh Brar besides questioning a number of senior police officials regarding the sequence of events leading to the firing in October 2015 on a mob protesting sacrilege incidents.

The SIT, led by ADGP LK Yadav with IG Rakesh Aggarwal and DIG Surjit Singh as the members, questioned DIGs Ranbir Singh Khatra and Amar Singh Chahal today.

It also put posers to former Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sukhmandar Singh Mann and Charanjit Singh besides Inspector Pritpal Singh.

Former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini was likely to be questioned today. Sources said the panel would call him again after listening to other police officials, bureaucrats and politicians who were either on the protest site or were involved in the decision-making process to use force against protesters.

Suspended IG PS Umranangal did not appear before the probe panel today. He sought excuse for today saying he was indisposed. He is likely to appear tomorrow.

The special investigation team showed the officials video clips of the police firing and alleged clash with protesters. People were protesting the series of sacrilege incidents in the region. Sources said the probe panel wanted to ascertain who ordered the firing at the mob.

It is also trying to know if the police opened fire at a peaceful gathering of protesters or if the mob was unruly.

• Suspended IG PS Umranangal did not appear before the probe panel, saying he was indisposed. He is likely to appear on Tuesday
• Those questioned included DIGs Ranbir Singh Khatra and Amar Singh Chahal; former SSP Sukhmandar Singh Mann and Inspector Pritpal Singh