Approver blames Sumedh Saini in Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura police firing cases

Tribune News Service
Faridkot, October 1

Inspector Pardeep Singh, an accused-turned-approver in Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura police firing cases, has blamed former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, IG Paramraj Singh Umranangal and then Moga SSP Charanjit Singh Sharma for the unprovoked firing on protesters at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura on October 14, 2015.

Records statement

In his statement before Judicial Magistrate, Faridkot, Inspector Pardeep Singh also names IG Paramraj Singh Umranangal and then Moga SSP Charanjit Singh Sharma

In his statement to the Judicial Magistrate, Faridkot, Pardeep stated that protesters at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan could have been evicted peacefully; however, the unwarranted use of force left two dead and many injured.

Pardeep further stated that Umranangal was in constant touch with Saini, who passed all directions to the force at both places. Pardeep, who was acting as personal assistant to then Moga SSP Charanjit Singh Sharma, said Umranangal, accompanied by five SHO-level officials and two SP-rank officers, had reached Kotkapura from Ludhiana to handle the operation.

Pardeep alleged that Sharma and then Ludhiana SP Paramjit Singh Pannu also opened fire on protesters.

In his statement, he alleged that on the directions from then DGP Saini, the IG told the force to cane-charge protesters and use water cannons at Kotkapura. When they resisted, the IG issued directions to open fire at Kotkapura.

On the basis of statement of Pardeep, the Bajakhana police have named both Saini and Umranangal as accused in the Behbal Kalan firing case.