Security was beefed up in parts of Punjab on Sunday, a day after Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda follower Mahinderpal Bittu, a key accused in the “2015 Bargari sacrilege incident” was murdered at Patiala’s high security Nabha prison.
Tension prevailed in Faridkot’s Kotkapura, the home town of Bittu, as several followers of Dera Sacha Sauda started gathering after his body was brought and kept at the ‘Naam Charcha Ghar’ (congregation place) of the Dera (sect). Dera members refused to cremate the body until, what they termed ‘real culprits’’ behind the incident were identified and punished.
Bittu’s son Parminder also alleged that his father has been killed under a conspiracy, which should be probed.
Harcharan Singh, a member of Dera’s committee, said “We want all sacrileges-related cases against Bittu be dropped and a judicial inquiry into the murder incident to identify real culprits.”
Bittu (49), who was attacked by other inmates Gursewak Singh and Maninder Singh on Saturday was rushed to Civil Hospital at Nabha, where he was declared brought dead. Both assailants were produced before a local court in Patiala and were sent to police remand for four days.
Flag marches
To prevent any untoward incident, paramilitary forces along with the State police were deployed in Kotkapura. Police conducted flag marches in Faridkot and neighbouring Moga districts.
“Adequate number of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in Kotkapura and other parts to ensure that law and order is maintained,” said M.S. Chhina, Inspector General of Police, Ferozepur Range.
Opposition parties hit out at the State government over deteriorating law and order situation.
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh ordered an inquiry into the fatal assault.
Probe ordered into murder in Punjab prison
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday ordered an inquiry into the fatal assault on the main accused in the “Bargari sacrilege” incident at the New Nabha prison, warning of stringent punishment for the assailants.
An initial probe revealed that accused Mahinderpal Bittu, 49, died after he was attacked by two inmates. He was rushed to a hospital at Nabha, where he was declared brought dead, said an official spokesperson.
ADGP Prisons Rohit Chaudhary will head the fact-finding committee, which has been asked to submit the report within three days.