Introduction

The scars of police misconduct in the Punjab fake encounter case have reshaped lives across generations. A poignant example is the case of Charanjit Singh, whose father, Surmukh Singh, was tragically killed in a fake encounter in 1993. Recently, the sentencing of former Punjab Police officer Paramjit Singh has reopened deep wounds for Charanjit and countless others affected by the atrocities of that dark period in the state’s history.

Paramjit Singh’s Sentencing

In the latest development in the Punjab Fake Encounter Case, on Wednesday, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Mohali sentenced Paramjit Singh, a former station house officer in Beas, to ten years in prison for his role in abducting and unlawfully killing two Punjab Police constables, Surmukh Singh and Sukhwinder Singh. Both victims were falsely labeled as terrorists during a time of turmoil, when genuine accountability often became veiled in brutality. Alongside the prison term, the court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on Singh, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing struggle for justice within Punjab.

Charanjit Singh’s Struggles

Born after his father’s untimely death, Charanjit Singh faced an uphill battle throughout his life. His mother, dealing with profound grief, took him to her maternal grandparents for a stable environment after remarrying. It wasn’t until his teenage years that he first met his paternal grandfather, who provided some insight into the family’s troubled past.

Charanjit recalls, “I was born after the murder of my father, Surmukh Singh. My mother took me to my maternal great-grandparents. She got remarried, and my maternal grandparents raised me.” Yet the weight of the stigma attached to his father’s legacy loomed large, particularly when he sought a position in the police force himself.

The Impact of Stigma on Career Prospects

In 2012, Charanjit prepared to join the police force and triumphantly cleared all physical and medical tests. However, during the counseling stage, officials labeled him the son of a “terrorist” and barred him from the career his father once held with pride.

“Officials told me they couldn’t give me a job because my father was a terrorist,” he said, capturing the pain families endure under that stigma. His grandfather had once promised to help him secure employment through his connection to Paramjit Singh, but that tie ended in betrayal. “My grandfather knew Paramjit Singh, who now stands convicted for my father’s fake encounter. At the time, I couldn’t understand what that meant,” Charanjit reflected.

A Legacy of Injustice

The systemic failures that allowed such tragedies to persist are rooted in a culture of impunity that characterized Punjab during the 1990s. Under the guise of fighting insurgency, many individuals became victims of extrajudicial killings, their rights stripped under the pretext of national security.

Jaswant Singh Khalra, a dedicated human rights activist, spearheaded the fight to expose the plight of victims like Surmukh and Sukhwinder Singh. Khalra relentlessly uncovered that the police had cremated both constables’ bodies as ‘unclaimed bodies,’ a deliberate denial of justice that the state perpetuated. Tragically, police abducted and murdered Khalra himself in 1995 in a similarly brutal act.

His wife, Paramjit Kaur Khalra, courageously sought the Supreme Court’s intervention, which ultimately prompted a thorough investigation leading to the conviction of Paramjit Singh. The court’s ruling, however, came after three decades of struggles and pain, underscoring the difficulty of achieving justice in cases of state violence.

The Emotional and Economic Toll on Families

Charanjit’s family, entrenched in economic hardship, finds itself battle-worn from the prolonged quest for justice. Now working as a private driver making Rs 12,000 a month, he reflects on the lost opportunities his family could have had. “We were from a Dalit family. My father’s job was a great source of hope to help us recover from poverty,” he stated, poignantly illustrating how the false labels and unyielding stigma have hindered not just his family, but also erased the prospect of upward mobility.

The Effects on Sukhwinder Singh’s Family

Meanwhile, the plight of Sukhwinder Singh’s family, who similarly endured the loss of their son in the fake encounter, echoes Charanjit’s grief. A member of a Dalit family, Sukhwinder was the first in his household to secure a government position. Amritpal Singh, his nephew, described the hopes his grandfather had for the young constable, but those hopes vanished when Sukhwinder lost his life. “My grandfather spent all his life seeking justice,” Singh lamented, recalling his grandfather’s passing in 2015 without witnessing any resolution to their ongoing anguish.

Calls for Justice and Recognition

Charanjit’s disillusionment with the system is palpable, extending beyond personal grievances. In addition to calling for his job and recognition, he expressed a broader demand for systemic reform and reparations for families impacted by such violence.

As he succinctly put it, “I demand that the government give me commendation and dues. I also want my job back, which was denied to me because they tagged my father as a terrorist.” His assertion reflects a yearning for accountability in a system that has repeatedly failed marginalized communities.

The Cultural Impact Amidst Ongoing Struggles

The narratives of Charanjit Singh and the Khalra family intertwine with ongoing cultural expressions within Punjab. The film “Punjab 95,” which chronicles the life and death of Jaswant Singh Khalra, remains stuck in the approval process, reflecting societal ambivalence towards this turbulent history. Charanjit claimed limited knowledge about the film, stating, “I don’t know much about what is happening around. I have to raise my children.”

Moreover, his voice underscores the struggle to navigate daily life amid past traumas, with many families trapped between the desire for closure and the demands of the present. Furthermore, the memories of the injustices suffered serve not only as a burden but also as a call to action for future generations, ensuring that the demand for justice remains alive in the public consciousness.

Conclusion

As Punjab continues to grapple with the repercussions of past injustices exemplified by the Punjab fake encounter case, the cases of Surmukh Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, and their families stand as reminders of the long road still required to achieve true justice. The story of Charanjit Singh in the Punjab Fake Encounter Case speaks to broader themes of perseverance, the struggles against systemic injustice, and an ongoing quest for recognition within a landscape that desperately needs to confront its past.

Daily News

Kulwant Singh’s Resignation from the PCA Secretary Role

In a surprising move shortly after his election to the post, Kulwant Singh, the 63-year-old Mohali MLA and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), stepped down as the Secretary of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) on Friday. The Kulwant Singh PCA resignation comes as a notable development, given his recent unopposed election on July 12, 2023, and his status as Punjab’s wealthiest legislator with assets surpassing Rs 250 crore. He now finds himself distanced from a role that typically requires significant commitment amid his political duties.

In an official statement to The Indian Express, Kulwant Singh confirmed, “Yes, I have resigned from the post of PCA secretary. As an MLA, I had various other works… I do every task with full commitment, and I feel I could not do justice to this new role. Hence… I resigned today.” The Kulwant Singh PCA resignation underscores his dedication to fulfilling his responsibilities as an elected official in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, where he holds significant influence.

PCA’s New Leadership Landscape

The PCA has seen a whirlwind of leadership changes recently, indicative of ongoing instability within its governance. Following Singh’s resignation, deep-rooted connections to Punjab’s local politics have surfaced, with Amarjit Singh Mehta, a prominent hotelier from Bathinda and father of AAP leader Padamjit Mehta, assuming the presidency of the PCA. This transition marks another chapter in the PCA’s leadership saga, which has been marred by a rash of departures and controversies.

AAP’s state general secretary Deepak Bali also serves as an advisor to the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Board and has taken on the role of PCA vice-president after a unanimous selection. This decision, along with the election of Sunil Gupta, who remains the PCA treasurer and serves at a cabinet minister rank as the vice-chairman of the Punjab Economic Policy and Planning Board, suggests a consolidation of AAP’s influence within the association.

Historical Context of PCA Leadership Changes

The PCA’s leadership has seen considerable turnover in recent years, with four different secretaries in just five years. This history of instability highlights the challenges faced by cricket governance in Punjab. Dilsher Khanna, the previous PCA secretary, resigned last month amid controversies that plagued his term. Khanna, a 33-year-old well-educated individual with certifications including a pilot’s license, won the 2022 election amid intense scrutiny after former cricketer Gulzar Inder Singh Chahal resigned.

Chahal’s short-lived presidency was marked by allegations of irregularities, prompting accusations of misconduct from other notable figures, including former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh. Amarjit Singh Mehta’s presidency now stands on the shoulders of the PCA’s tumultuous leadership rollercoaster, as he aims to restore stability to the organization.

Kulwant Singh’s Political Journey and Aspirations

Kulwant Singh’s political journey began in 1995 when he was elected as the senior vice-president of the Mohali Municipal Council. He later progressed to the role of mayor and gained prominence in Punjab’s political landscape. In the wake of a disappointing run in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Fatehgarh Sahib as a candidate of the SAD-BJP coalition, Singh reconfigured his political strategy, ultimately securing a seat in the 2022 Assembly elections. He triumphed over Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu by a resounding margin of 34,097 votes, affirming his strong foothold in the SAS Nagar constituency.

His wealth, as disclosed in a 2022 affidavit, raises questions regarding the potential influence of money in politics, a concern not unique to Punjab but prevalent in state politics across India. Singh’s departure from the PCA sidesteps criticisms of prioritizing personal interests over public responsibilities, which could arise given his substantial financial backing.

PCA Governance Framework and Regulations

Amid this fluctuating leadership, it is essential to note the PCA’s governance framework, which aligns with the rules dictated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). As per a Supreme Court ruling:

• PCA office-bearers are subject to a nine-year tenure limit, which can be served entirely within state associations or partially at the BCCI level.
• There is a mandatory three-year cooling-off period after serving two consecutive three-year terms.

These regulations promote democratic processes in cricket organizations and help prevent long-term leadership that might cause corruption and mismanagement.

As events unfold, AAP enthusiasts and cricket lovers alike will closely watch how Amarjit Singh Mehta’s new leadership manages the PCA’s administration and works to strengthen cricket culture in Punjab.  The urgency for reform is palpable, especially given the recent controversies, and if the PCA can effectively implement a governance model that encourages accountability, it may herald a new beginning for cricket in the region.

Conclusion

The Kulwant Singh PCA resignation is not just a personal decision but highlights larger issues within the sporting and political tapestry of Punjab. While he continues his journey as an MLA, the future of the PCA now rests in the hands of a new leadership grappling with institutional challenges and the expectations of a vibrant cricketing community. As these changes unfold, stakeholders will keenly evaluate the outcomes on the development of cricket in Punjab.

Daily News

Minister Orders Doctor Suspension Following Delivery Negligence

In a decisive move reflecting the Punjab government’s commitment to high-quality healthcare, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh announced the immediate suspension of a gynaecologist associated with the Khanna Civil Hospital. This action follows reports of alleged negligence during an emergency delivery case that had serious implications for the mother’s and child’s health.

The incident in question took place recently when the gynaecologist failed to respond adequately to a critical delivery scenario. According to a statement from Singh, despite having been alerted by the on-duty medical officer regarding the urgency of the situation, the doctor did not attend to the patient in time. As a result, Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Dr. Maninder Singh Bhasin had to step in to conduct the emergency surgery, subsequently saving both the mother’s and the newborn’s lives.

Consequences and Investigations

Punjab Health Minister Singh issued a stern warning regarding the severity of the situation, indicating that the gynaecologist’s medical license could face revocation, with potential legal action pending further investigation. He reiterated, “Any negligence in patient care is unacceptable and will face strict consequences,” underscoring a zero-tolerance policy toward healthcare inadequacies.

In response to the incident, the Punjab government has instituted a thorough investigation led by a three-member committee. This committee consists of a Senior Medical Officer from Khanna Civil Hospital, along with two specialists, who were tasked with evaluating the actions of the suspended gynaecologist. Preliminary findings from the committee’s inquiry confirmed a clear lack of urgency and seriousness in addressing the case at hand.

Broader Healthcare Initiatives in Punjab

This unfortunate event points to larger systemic issues within the state’s healthcare infrastructure. As doctor shortages continue to raise concerns, especially in Doraha and Payal government hospitals, Minister Singh assured the public that the government is actively increasing healthcare staffing across Punjab. Recently, the government has successfully recruited approximately 3,000 healthcare workers, with plans to bring in an additional 1,000 doctors in the near future. This recruitment is part of a broader strategy to enhance healthcare delivery and accessibility in both rural and urban areas.

Enhancing Maternal and Child Care

The Punjab government is taking substantial measures to improve maternal and child healthcare services across the state. Plans are underway to ensure 24-hour emergency services at district-level hospitals and along major highways, ensuring that timely medical interventions are accessible to all residents, regardless of their geographical locations.

The Khanna Civil Hospital, where the recent incident took place, is integral to this broader initiative aimed at enhancing both maternal and child care, as well as emergency services in the region. By prioritizing the establishment of reliable emergency response frameworks, the government aims to bolster health outcomes for vulnerable populations across Punjab.

Development of Advanced Healthcare Facilities

In a significant step towards establishing specialized healthcare services, Minister Singh outlined the government’s plan to establish 10 to 12 advanced hospitals across Punjab. These facilities will cater to specialized treatments, including heart surgeries, organ transplants, and orthopedic care, reflecting a marked commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure in the state.

These advancements show that Punjab is shifting its healthcare focus from just immediate patient care to building comprehensive services that meet the long-term health needs of its people. As the state strengthens its healthcare system, the new facilities will help meet the rising demand for specialized medical services.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Quality Healthcare

The incident at Khanna Civil Hospital has shed light on the critical importance of accountability within the healthcare sector. Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh’s swift response and the structured plans for reform signal the Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare services. By addressing immediate staffing shortages and investing in specialized medical facilities, the administration is working diligently to ensure that every citizen of Punjab has access to the compassionate and competent medical care they deserve.

As this situation unfolds, it will be imperative for both the healthcare providers and the government to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the needs of the community, ensuring that negligence and oversight become relics of the past. Punjab continues to invest in and reform healthcare to ensure that every life, especially the most vulnerable, is valued and protected.

Daily News