Punjab BJP Demands Fair Investigation into Police Encounter Death
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chandigarh, Feb 27 (NationPress) Sunil Jakhar, President of Punjab BJP, called upon the Punjab government on Friday to initiate an unbiased investigation into the recent fatal police encounter involving a man in Gurdaspur district, emphasizing the necessity of restoring the government's credibility.
He expressed concerns that the police's account of events is raising doubts among the public, thereby questioning the integrity of both the government and the police force.
Jakhar stated during a press briefing that the government has lost public trust, leaving citizens skeptical of its statements.
"In order to regain its lost credibility, it is vital for the government to commission an impartial inquiry," he asserted.
He labeled staged encounters as unacceptable in a civilized society.
Jakhar characterized these incidents as a serious breach of human rights. Given Punjab's troubled past with fake encounters, he emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation in such matters.
He clarified he is not making judgments about guilt or innocence, nor is he asserting whether the encounter was legitimate or not.
However, he noted that the police's narrative is not being accepted by the community, and both the family of the deceased and society are demanding answers.
"It is perplexing that a young man could escape police custody and, shortly after, obtain a motorcycle and a weapon, only to be shot during an encounter at the next checkpoint," he remarked.
Answers to these pressing questions can only arise from an impartial investigation, he insisted.
Jakhar highlighted that even if someone is guilty, it is the courts that hold the authority to punish. When police assume the role of judge and executioner, it poses a significant threat to democracy. Therefore, a timely and unbiased inquiry into the encounter is crucial, ideally involving social activists to help address the public's concerns regarding police credibility.