Sacrilege probe: SIT member’s remark on Badal unprofessional, says Akali Dal

The SIT member is acting on the dictates of his present political masters. He even forgot that Badal senior and Sukhbir Badal are not appearing before SIT as accused but witnesses SAD PRESS RELEASE

CHANDIGARH : The Shiromani Akali Dal on Tuesday termed the statement of inspector general of police (IGP) Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, a member of the special investigation team (SIT) probing sacrilege incidents in Punjab, on former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal as “utterly unprofessional, unwarranted and political propaganda”.

Vijay Pratap, who recently issued summons to Badal, SAD president Sukhbir Badal and Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar under Section 160 of the CRPC, had on Tuesday said the former CM should not have any issue appearing before SIT as he travels in luxury cars with Z-plus security provided by the government.

The IGP’S remark came after questions were raised over bypassing the procedure under Section 160 which states that “no male aged under 15 or above 65, or a woman, or a disabled person is required to join the probe at any place other than their residence.

In a press release, senior Akali leaders Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal said: “The police officer seems to have forgotten that he is speaking about one the senior-most political leaders in the country who is a nonagenarian and five-time CM. The SIT member is acting on the dictations of his present political masters. He even forgot that Badal senior and Sukhbir Badal are not appearing before SIT as accused but only witnesses.”

“Neither Badal nor Sukhbir ever sought any security,” the two said referring to Vijay Pratap’s reference to security and vehicles provided to the former CM and his son.

“This is a grave matter. The officer’s comments and conduct confirm that SIT is a political tool of the Congress government headed by Amarinder Singh. Its only job is to give a legal cover to a pre-fabricated report against SAD leaders,” it read.

The two said Badal, Sukhbir or anyone else required for the purpose of investigating the sacrilege cases will join the probe when despite “illegal” summons. “The party wants the truth to come out. We will give them no excuse to justify their failure in ensuring a fair probe.”