Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir joins SIT probe into 2015 sacrilege, police firing cases in Chandigarh

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has become part of the special investigation team (SIT) looking into the 2015 sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib and the subsequent police firing incidents in Chandigarh. His participation comes as the probe moves to trace the chain of command that authorized the police action in Behbal Kalan.

The 2015 sacrilege, which involved the desecration of the holy book at a gurdwara in the outskirts of Chandigarh, sparked widespread outrage. In the aftermath, police opened fire, leading to a controversial case that has remained under scrutiny for nearly a decade. The SIT was constituted to examine both the sacrilege and the police firing, aiming to establish who gave the orders that resulted in the shooting.

Sukhbir, who leads the SAD, said the inclusion of his party’s representative in the SIT was necessary to ensure a fair examination. He added that the move appeared to be politically motivated, suggesting that the AAP and the Congress were settling scores through the investigation. While he did not provide detailed evidence, his statement underscores the perception among some leaders that the case has been used as a tool for political rivalry.

Investigators have been reviewing documents, statements, and police records to piece together the sequence of events that led to the firing in Behbal Kalan. The focus is on identifying the specific orders that were issued and the individuals responsible for authorising the use of force. By tracing these commands, the SIT hopes to determine whether the action was justified under the circumstances or constituted an abuse of power.

The Chandigarh police have cooperated with the SIT, providing access to case files and testimony from officers involved at the time. Officials have indicated that the investigation will be thorough, but no timeline for completion has been announced. The agency emphasized that its purpose is to uncover the truth without any bias, a claim that aligns with Sukhbir’s call for an impartial probe.

Political analysts note that the SAD’s decision to join the SIT could influence the narrative surrounding the case. By positioning himself within the investigative framework, Sukhbir aims to shape public perception and highlight what he describes as a vendetta between rival parties. This stance reflects broader tensions in the region, where accusations of political interference in law‑enforcement matters are common.

The Behbal Kalan police firing case has remained a flashpoint for communal tension. Victims’ families and local residents have long demanded accountability, while political bodies have debated the merits of a fresh inquiry. Sukhbir’s involvement adds a new layer to the discussion, as his party seeks to leverage the investigation to criticize the ruling coalition.

Overall, the SIT’s expanded scope, now including the SAD chief, signals a continued effort to address a decade‑old controversy that still resonates in Chandigarh’s civic discourse. The investigation’s progress will be closely watched by both the public and political actors, as the outcome may affect future narratives around justice, policing, and political accountability in the region.

Source: Hindustan Times