HC grants relief to former DGP Saini

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana high court on Tuesday ordered that in case former Punjab DGP Sumedh Singh Saini is sought to be arrested in any case related to the Kotkapura police firing case, he should be given a week’s advance notice.
“It would not be appropriate to ignore the factual background of the case. The petitioner served the state being an IPS officer. This court in another matter, considering various aspects involved including political colour, vide order dated October 11, 2018, granted protection that in case the petitioner is to be arrested, a clear seven days notice would be served,” HC has observed while granting relief to Saini.
Justice Avneesh Jhingan passed these orders while hearing an anticipatory bail plea filed by Saini. The former state police chief had sought directions for stay on his arrest in case he is needed by the state police in a three-year old attempt to murder case related to Kotkapura firing case.
An FIR in the incident has been registered at Kotkapura police station in Faridkot district for attempt to murder, disappearance of evidence and other offences registered on August 7, 2018, under sections 307, 326, 324, 323, 341, 201, 218, 120-B, 148, 149 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, and the provisions of the Arms Act. Saini was apprehending arrest on being summoned for March 26 by the court of Faridkot Judicial Magistrate First Class on presentation of fourth supplementary challan in the case.
Importantly the fourth supplementary report has already been quashed and a fresh investigation is being carried by the new SIT in this case.