Kin of Amritsar woman injured after falling from police jeep stage protest

AMRITSAR: Relatives of the woman, who was injured after falling off the roof of a speeding police jeep, on Thursday staged a dharna outside Kathunangal police station seeking the registration of a first information report (FIR) against the erring cops by name.

Jaswinder Kaur, 32, of Shehzada village had sustained multiple injuries after falling off the police jeep’s roof. Kathunangal police of Amritsar rural had registered a case under Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against some unidentified persons as per the woman’s medico-legal report (MLR).

A cross FIR, however, was also registered against seven persons, including Jaswinder, at the same police station under IPC Section 307 (attempt to murder).

As per the information, members of a crime branch team led by two inspector-rank officials, Palwinder Singh and Ravinder Singh, had gone to Shehzada village looking for the woman’s father-in-law Balwinder Singh, who was booked in a case last year.

When the crime branch officials did not find Balwinder, they allegedly made the woman sit on the roof of their Mahindra Bolero and drove it away.

The crime branch officials have already refuted the allegations, saying their team was attacked by the woman and her relatives, and they drove the vehicle in self defence.

CONGRESS, AAP COME IN SUPPORT

The protest was also supported by senior Congress leader from Majitha constituency, Sukhjinder Raj Singh Majithia, and several leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The protesters also demanded the quashing of the FIR against the seven persons, including Jaswinder.

Addressing the protesters, Balwinder Singh said, “When the police conducted raid, there was no male member present at the home. We will continue our protest till we do not get justice.” He also warned of intensifying the agitation and blocking the Amritsar-delhi highway on Friday.

WOMEN PANEL TAKES SUO MOTU COGNISANCE

Punjab women commission chairperson Manisha Gulati also visited the Majitha hospital where Jaswinder Kaur is undergoing treatment and recorded her statement.

Gulati said they have asked Amritsar rural SSP Parampal Singh to present a detailed report to the commission within two days.

“We have also summoned the policemen who have been booked. Such behaviour cannot be tolerated and an action will be soon taken against the accused,” she added.