Fatehgarh Sahib (April 16, 2011): Sikh bodies have demanded immediate removal of senior Congress leader H. S. Hanspal from the membership of India’s National Commission for Minorities; as he is accused by a witness for attempting to lure her to turn hostile in a criminal case against another senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar. Sajjan Kumar is facing various criminal charges, including murder, in a case related to 1984 Sikh Carnage in Delhi.
Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Secretary General of Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani), while demanding immediate dismissal of Hanspal, as member of NCM, said “Hanspal should be criminal charged with ‘offences against Public justice’ under Indian Penal Code”.
“Taking into account the sensitivity of the matter, the sting operation’s transcript should be treated as a prima facie evidence for registration of case against Hanspal and investigations be carried without any undue delay” he added.
On the other hand, Parmjeet Singh Gazi, President of Sikh Students Federation, has claimed that it is doubtful that a fair trial could be held in any court unless Sajjan Kumar’s bail is cancelled and he is arrested. “Sajjan Kumar was able to evade investigation and judicial proceedings for more than two decades due to his high political ranking. How a fair trial could be expected when he is free on bail and could easily threaten witnesses or otherwise interfere with court proceedings” he asked. He said that judiciary should show some sensitivity in this matter and suo moto action should be taken to cancel bail of Sajjan Kumar.