CHANDIGARH, Punjab—Whilst the Punjab Government is still trying to investigate any possible culprits responsible of the Bargadi incidents in which a saroop of Guru Granth Sahib was desecrated, it today approved a bill approving life imprisonment for any convicted of the crime.
Previously, sentences for such crimes was an imprisonment of three years.
The state of Punjab has seen much unrest in the past 2 months with several incidents of sacrilege taking place. People across Punjab came out into the streets en-mass to express dissatisfaction at the lack of Government action.
The Punjab Government faced massive protests as the Punjab Police refused to even register the case of a stolen saroop of Guru Granth Sahib from village Burj Jawahar Singh Wala, four months before the sacrilege occurred. Despite their efforts for months, local Sikhs failed to get an FIR registered. However, 4 months later, angs of the saroop were found scattered in the village.
New Law May Hinder Search for Culprits
While the new law was rejoiced by the Punjab Cabinet, it may hinder the possibility of nabbing the culprits of the Bargadi incident. With life imprisonment being the fate of miscreants now, it is highly unlikely that anyone will surrender in the case. With rife corruption within the police being common knowledge throughout Punjab, it is widely known that witnesses coming forward with information on any particular case, are usually arrested on suspicion of participation. Usually because the police have no other leads and a looking for quick fixes to close cases. This in-turn has created a culture of zero witness cooperation for fear of wrongful imprisonment.
The Punjab Police have so far not found any clues in the case. The move to pass the bill is being seen as a tool to silence Sikh frustrations.
Just two days ago, the Punjab Government tried to appease the families of Bhai Krishan Bhagwan Singh and Bhai Gurjeet Singh with government jobs – the two youth were shot dead by the Punjab Police during peaceful protests in Kotkapura.
A Wise decision by a Wise ruler.
It should now be extended for all
“HOLY BOOKS” which are worshipped across Planet earth