New Delhi, India (December 06, 2011): Supreme Court of India may pronounce it’s decision in case related to killing of father, uncle and friend of Professor Devender Pal Singh Bhullar. Senior Police officers, including IPS (Indian Police Services) officers are facing the charge. Professor Bhullar’s father, uncle and friend were abducted by Punjab Police in 1991 and were never heard about thereafter, a CBI investigation, carried under the directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2008, revealed.
IPS officer Sumedh Saini, main accused in this case, is enjoying high post in Punjab Police, as he is chief of Vigilance Bureau of Punjab.
“Tomorrow is pronouncement of judgment in Supreme Court, in case relating to killing of father and maternal uncle of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar” Advocate Navkiran Singh has posted on his Facebook Wall. “The family needs a lot of prayers. Hope Justice prevails.” he added.
It is notable that no trial has taken place in this case so far, as the Indian Supreme Court stayed the trial in 2008.
Enforced Disappearance has remained a common phenomena and part of police policy in Punjab. It was widely and systematically used in Punjab in 1980s-90s. Jaswant Singh Khalra, who revealed the fact of widespread and systematic practice of enforced disappearances in Punjab was also subjected to the same notorious practise on 6 September, 1996 and was secretly killed by Punjab police.
“Indian State and even the judiciary is least interested in opening or proceeding with these case, as they may hamper the State’s interests. As a result impunity is widespread” said Parmjeet Singh Gazi, President of Sikh Students Federation.
The State’s policy of impunity in Punjab has been documented by Ensaaf and Human Rights Watch in a report titled “Protecting the Killers”.