Suman, Punjab (October 01, 2013): It is learnt that on September 30, 2013 a trial court of Sunam acquitted 14 Dera Sauda Sirsa followers in Bhai Kamaljit Singh Sunam’s murder case.
In 2007 Dera Sauda Sirsa head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Insan attempted to personify himself as the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Personification of Sikh Gurus is strictly prohibited in Sikh religion. Dera head’s notorious activities resulted in grave provocation to the entire Sikh Panth. A general gathering of Sikhs was called by the Akal Takht Jathedar at Takht Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo on May 17, 2007.
While the Sikhs were returning from Takht Damdama Sahib, a clash took place at Sunam where Dera followers shot dead Bhai Kamaljeet Singh of Suman.
It is notable that 16 persons namely Satpal Singh, Ajaib Singh resident of Khadiaal, Sukhwinder Singh resident of Suman, Megh Singh resident of Neelowal, Jagsir Singh resident of Hablvas Jakhepal, Kala Singh alias Rajvir Singh resident of Chatha Sekhwan, Kala Singh resident of Dharamgarh, Ram Parkash resident of Kanakwal Bhanguan, Rajesh Kumar, Mahinder Singh, Jeet Singh alias Jeeti resident of Sunam, Bhola Singh resident of Jakhepal, Bhajan Singh alias Roda resident of Suman, Harnek Singh alias Neki resident of Suman, Sadha Singh resident of Bhutal, Sanjeev Kumar Sanju resident of Sangroor were booked under sections 302, 307, 436, 427, 295, 353, 186, 188, 148 and 149 of the Indian Penal code besides some sections of Arms Act.
One of the accused persons, namely Sadha Singh Bhutal had died during the trial while another Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanju, resident of Sangrur was declared proclaimed offender. Of 14 persons who were tried in this case only one person named Harnek Singh alias Nek Singh was in jail, while 13 others were granted bail.
On September 30, 2013 the Additional Sessions Judge Varinder Aggarwal pronounced his decision acquitted all accused persons in this case under tight security arrangements. The police had reportedly blocked all the ways leading to the court complex at Suman.
Bhai Kamaljit Singh Sunam’s father S. Bant Singh expressed dis-satisfaction over the decision of the Suman Court. He said that the decision of the court is an act of injustice with the entire Sikh community. He said that they shall file appeal in the higher court against the decision of the trial court.