Should Retired Punjab Policemen Face Life Terms for 1993 Fake Encounter Killings?
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Synopsis
In a significant judicial decision, a Special CBI Court in Mohali has sentenced five retired officers of the Punjab Police to life imprisonment for their roles in orchestrating fake encounters that led to the deaths of seven individuals in 1993. This ruling underscores the ongoing quest for justice and accountability in law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Five retired Punjab Police officers sentenced to life imprisonment.
- Convicted for extrajudicial killings during fake encounters.
- The incidents occurred in 1993, involving seven victims.
- Charges included criminal conspiracy and abduction.
- Case highlights the need for accountability in law enforcement.
Mohali, Aug 4 (NationPress) A Special CBI Court has imposed a life sentence on five retired Punjab Police officials, each fined Rs 3.5 lakh, for their involvement in the murder of seven people during two fabricated encounters in 1993.
On August 1, the court found them guilty of criminal conspiracy, abduction, and extrajudicial killings.
The convicted individuals include Bhupinderjit Singh (retired SSP), Devinder Singh (retired DSP), Gulbarg Singh (retired Inspector), Suba Singh (retired Inspector), and Raghubir Singh (retired Sub-Inspector).
The CBI presented the chargesheet on May 31, 2002, against ten police officers, five of whom passed away during the trial.
This case traces back to June 27, 1993, when Shinder Singh, Sukhdev Singh, and Desa Singh, all Special Police Officers (SPOs), were abducted by a team led by Inspector Gurdev Singh, then SHO of Police Station Sirhali.
On the same day, another victim, Balkar Singh alias Kala, was also taken. In July 1993, Sarabjit Singh alias Saba and Harwinder Singh were kidnapped by Suba Singh, then SHO of Police Station Verowal.
On July 12, 1993, Shinder Singh, Desa Singh, Balkar Singh, and Mangal Singh were murdered in a staged encounter allegedly led by DSP Bhupinderjit Singh and the PS Sirhali police.
Later, on July 28, 1993, Sukhdev Singh, Sarabjit Singh, and Harwinder Singh were similarly killed in another bogus encounter involving the same DSP and officers from Police Station Verowal.
The CBI registered the case on June 30, 1999, following a preliminary inquiry initiated by the Chandigarh unit, ordered by the Supreme Court on December 12, 1996.
This inquiry was prompted by a criminal petition titled Paramjit Kaur versus State of Punjab.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge that justice must prevail, regardless of the status of the accused. This verdict serves as a crucial reminder that law enforcement officers, who are entrusted with the responsibility to protect citizens, must be held accountable for their actions. It reflects the collective demand for transparency and integrity within our justice system, reinforcing that no one is above the law.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the ruling by the CBI Court?
The CBI Court sentenced five retired Punjab Police officers to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 3.5 lakh each for their roles in the 1993 fake encounter killings.
How many individuals were killed in the fake encounters?
Seven individuals were killed in two separate fake encounters orchestrated by the convicted officers.
When did the incident occur?
The incidents took place in June and July of 1993.
What charges were the officers convicted of?
The officers were convicted of criminal conspiracy, abduction, and extrajudicial killings.
What prompted the CBI investigation?
The investigation was initiated following a Supreme Court order to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the matter.
