LUDHIANA, Punjab—83 years old Sikh activist Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa was relieved from the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital of Ludhiana on July 16. Bapu Surat Singh was forcibly admitted at the DMCH on June 27 after he fell unconscious. Large police deployment surrounded his home and broke in forcefully. The entry door, which was locked, was smashed and several belongings of the family members were taken..
After being admitted at the Intensive Care Unit at the DMCH, Bapu Ji’s condition improved, however he was not being released by the DMCH authorities as they wanted to charge Rs. 16 lakh ($25,000 USD approximately) in hospital bills.
Sikh bodies had announced to carry out a candle march against Bapu Ji’s illegal detention before DMCH on July 16 but Bapu Ji was released in the morning of July 16.
Talking with Sikh24’s correspondent, Bhai Ravinder Jeet Singh Gogi (Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa’s son) informed that Bapu Ji was dropped at his residence in Hassanpur at around 9 AM. He thanked the Sikh bodies who helped in raising voice against Punjab government’s atrocities due to which DMCH authorities gave up.
On being asked about pending bills being claimed by DMCH authorities against Bapu Ji, Bhai Gogi informed that the DMCH authorities have threatened them of moving to court seeking claim of bills. He added that the DMCH authorities have said that they will file case against Bapu Ji seeking possession of property on his name. “Till now it is verbal, but if DMCH authorities will move to court, we will also take suitable action against Punjab government,” he added.
Bapu Surat Singh Khalsa’s family has declined financial assistance in paying the bills. Ravinder Jeet Singh Gogi claimed that Bapu Ji was detained at the DMCH on orders of the Punjab Government. “Bapu Ji had earlier issued a press note that he doesn’t want any medical treatment,” Bhai Gogi told Sikh24.
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