Behbal Kalan Firing Case: Fair Investigation Must Ensure Punishment for the Guilty and Justice for the Innocent and Victims: Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala

Punjab News Express

Jul 17, 2026 - 06:37

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AMRITSAR: BJP Punjab Spokesperson Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala, commenting on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) summoning Shiromani Akali Dal President and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on July 20 in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing case, said that the Bharatiya Janata Party has consistently supported a fair, transparent and impartial investigation in accordance with the law. He said the truth must prevail and accountability must be established.

Prof. Khiala stated that no matter how influential a political leader, government official or public functionary may be, anyone found responsible for issuing unlawful orders or violating the law must face legal consequences. At the same time, no innocent person should be harassed or victimised for political reasons. Justice for the victims is equally important.

He pointed out that the SIT has already questioned former BJP Punjab President Vijay Sampla. Sampla had requested a copy of the memorandum that he had jointly submitted to the then Governor along with Shiromani Akali Dal leaders so that he could verify his signatures. Prof. Khiala questioned why the SIT had not provided him with that document if it forms part of the investigation.

He further said that the BJP had no direct role in the Behbal Kalan firing incident, although it was an alliance partner in the government at that time. The decision to open fire was not taken by the Cabinet. The Home Department was under the charge of then Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was responsible for law and order decisions.

Prof. Khiala noted that former MLA Mantar Singh Brar had stated that discussions took place among the then Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Director General of Police before action was taken against the protesters. Similarly, it has been alleged that the then Chief Minister's OSD, Gagandeep Singh Brar, confirmed that directions had been issued to remove the protesters. Therefore, it is important to establish who authorised the use of force and at what level those decisions were taken.

He said nearly ten years have passed since the tragic incidents at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan on October 14, 2015, in which Bhai Krishan Bhagwan Singh and Bhai Gurjit Singh Sarawan lost their lives. Despite the passage of time, the victims' families continue to await justice.

Prof. Khiala observed that the SIT report and chargesheet reportedly name former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, former DGP Sumedh Saini, former IG Parmaraj Singh Umranangal, former SSP Charanjit Sharma and others. Now that the trial has been transferred from Faridkot to Chandigarh, every effort should be made to ensure that victims and witnesses do not face unnecessary hardship or delays in the judicial process.

He further said that questions are naturally being raised over whether the Aam Aadmi Party government is pursuing the case purely in the interest of justice or using this sensitive issue as a political tool ahead of the elections. Multiple SITs have already investigated the matter over the years, and the present government has been in office for nearly five years. If the investigation gathers momentum only months before elections, the government must address public concerns by ensuring complete transparency and impartiality.

Prof. Khiala reiterated that the BJP's stand remains unequivocal: the investigation must be conducted fairly, independently and strictly in accordance with the law; the guilty must be punished, the innocent must be protected, and the victims' families must receive justice without further delay.