LUDHIANA, Punjab—83 years old Sikh activist Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa was today discharged by the authorities of the Dayanand Medical College & Hospital. Bapu Ji was detained from his home on June 10 by the Punjab police as the court case filed against Bapu Ji’s illegal detention was moved to a future date.
At the time of writing this news, Bapu Ji was under custody of Punjab police. While he was being discharged, the police did not inform his family or supporters about where they would be taking Bapu Ji.
Bapu Ji’s son, Bhai Ravinder Jeet Singh Gogi expressed uncertainty about the release of Bapu Ji and speculated that the Punjab police may admit Bapu Ji at a different hospital. He however expressed great concern about unsanitary conditions at other hospitals. Bapu Ji was earlier detained at the Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, however, the condition of his room was extremely unhealthy.
Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa has been on hunger strike since January 16, 2015, seeking release of political Sikh prisoners who have served mandatory terms of their sentences. During this one and half year long struggle, Bapu Ji has been arrested and force fed by the Punjab government numerous times. Bapu Ji has endured severe mental and physical torture by the police but has has not given up his stance for the release of political Sikh prisoners.
