Dera followers agree to cremate bodies; 2 government jobs offered

Their decision to quell the protest came after assurance by state authorities for two government jobs and ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the family members of the deceased father-son duo

JAGHERA (PB): Dera Sacha Sauda followers on Wednesday agreed to cremate the bodies of the two members of their sect who were shot dead last week and lift the blockade on the Ludhiana-malerkotla road.

Their decision to quell the protest came after assurance by state authorities for two government jobs and ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the family members of the deceased father-son duo. The Punjab Police's assurance that they would soon nab the culprits of the double murder also pacified the protestors who had refused to cremate the bodies of Satpal (65) and his son Ramesh Kumar (35) since their killing on Saturday last.

"They (Dera followers) have agreed to cremate the bodies on Wednesday," Director General of Punjab Police (Law and Order) Hardeep Dhillon said.

The deadlock over the cremation of bodies came to an end after the DGP held a meeting with the representatives of the state committee of the Dera here. Several Dera followers had blocked the Ludhiana-Malerkotla route and put up a tent in the middle of the road, though traffic was diverted by the administration.

The DGP said, "The family of the deceased will be given two government jobs. Besides, Rs 10 lakh each will be given to two members of the victim's family.

"Moreover, Rs 5 lakh will be given as fixed deposit in the name of the daughter of Ramesh and expenses related to her eye injury will also be borne by the state authorities."

Meanwhile, DIG, Ludhiana range, S K Kalia said the killers would be arrested as early as possible. A special investigation team led by Kalia was formed to solve the murder case. Two unidentified bike-borne gunmen had killed Satpal and his son Ramesh on February 25.