Family members of Darshan Singh and Jassa Singh Manki with SFHR representatives
Patiala (February 18, 2010): SFHR today conducted a press conference at Patiala and brought the matter of illegal detention of Jasbir Singh and Darshan Singh to the knowledge of media.
During press conference Karamjeet Kaur informed that on February 13, 2010 at about 6 PM some police officials illegally entered into their house without showing any warrant or any other legal document and arrested Jasbir Singh Jassa and Darshan Singh. “Then we called one member Panchayat of village Harjinder Singh who asked the police officials where are you taking them.” she told reporters.
“Then one of the persons proclaiming to be a police officer, but in civil dress, named as Gurmail Singh told them that they are taking them to AIG Counter Intelligence Pritpl Singh Virk and even they have given a slip with their hand written even containing the mobile number of Pritpal Singh Virk. Gurmail Singh gave his number too.” said Balbir Singh.
“On the next day when I called Pritpal Singh Virk on his mobile number to know the whereabouts of Jasbir Singh Jassa and Darshan Singh, he gave me no information.” he added.
Balbir Singh further added that on February 15, 2010 at about 6 AM in the morning the police again raided the house along with Darshan Singh and searched every corner of the house, and they did not find anything incriminating and without telling anything to the family and they again took Darshan Singh with them and till today Darshan Singh with them.
Balbir Singh, cousin of duo informed that from February 13, 2010 till today Jasbir Singh Jassa and Darshan Singh has been illegally custody by the Punjab police where they might be tortured in human manner.
Sikhs for Human Rights (SFHR) has requested to the Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court, Chandigarh and Punjab State Human Rights Commission to immediately intervene in the matter and assure that this violation of law and human rights is brought to an end.
Advocate Lakhwinder Singh Kaliraun claimed that illegal detention of Jasbir Singh and Balbir Singh is a clear case of violation of directives given by the Supreme Court of India in D.K. Basu Versus State of West Bengal case.