SIT Summons Sukhbir Singh Badal in 2015 Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura Firing Probe

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 2015 Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura police firing incidents has summoned former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal for questioning. The SIT has directed him to appear before the investigation team on Monday, marking a significant development in the long-running probe. The latest action has once again brought the issue to the centre of Punjab's political discourse. According to official sources, the decision to summon Sukhbir Singh Badal follows a statement recorded by BJP leader Vijay Sampla before the SIT. During his deposition, Sampla reportedly denied signing a memorandum that had been submitted to the Punjab Governor along with Sukhbir Singh Badal regarding the sacrilege incidents. Following this development, the investigation team decided to seek further clarification from the former Deputy Chief Minister regarding the circumstances surrounding the memorandum. Last week, after appearing before the SIT, Vijay Sampla had informed the media that he had requested investigators to produce the original copy of the memorandum so that he could verify whether the signatures attributed to him were genuine or not. Sources associated with the investigation said the SIT is closely examining the sequence of events leading up to the police action against protesters in October 2015. Earlier, former Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Mantar Singh Brar reportedly told the SIT that discussions had taken place with the then Chief Minister, the Home Minister, and the Director General of Police (DGP) before the police crackdown on protesters. Another important development in the investigation came after the then Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal reportedly confirmed before the SIT that instructions to remove the protesters had been issued during the night. Investigators consider this information crucial in determining when the decision to use force was taken and who authorised the police action. The case dates back to October 2015, when Sikh devotees staged peaceful protests in Faridkot district following incidents of alleged sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. During the protests at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan, police opened fire on demonstrators. Two Sikh protesters were killed in the firing at Behbal Kalan, while several others sustained serious injuries. The SIT continues to intensify its investigation to establish accountability in the case.