Seeking justice for son, father dies at 73 after battle of 23 yrs

Tarlochan Singh is no more. Fighting a lonely battle in search of justice for over 23 years, Tarlochan died of a heart attack. Father of Kulwinder Singh alias Kid who was allegedly killed by Punjab Police officers in a case of "fake encounter", the 73-year-old expired a fortnight ago.

It was in May this year when a special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation had acquitted seven Punjab Police personnel, including Surjeet Singh Grewal, who is currently the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Moga, in the 'fake encounter'. All the accused were acquitted as the prosecution had failed to prove its case.

In August, three weeks before his death, Tarlochan had filed an appeal in the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the Chandigarh court order. Kulwinder was Tarlochan's only son. Having lost his wife a decade back, Tarlochan had been living alone at a village located in Mohali.

His appeal came up for resumed hearing on Saturday before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. However, the case was adjourned as after Tarlochan's demise, the appeal would have to be represented by another family member.

His family members said that Tarlochan was shattered after all the accused were acquitted. However, he did not give up and decided to continue his battle for justice.

"Tarlochan was brave. He helped several people in battling against injustice. Though he has died, any family member of his can represent the appeal before the High Court," said advocate Navkiran Singh.

The others to be acquitted by the Chandigarh court in May were Head Constable Nikka Ram, currently SI at Sohana police station, retired ASI Amarjit Singh, Sub-Inspector Birbal Dass, ASI Gurcharan Singh, ASI Chanan Singh and Constable Dayal Singh. The court acquitted the accused granting them "benefit of doubt".

The prosecution had claimed that on July 22, 1989, Kulwinder was abducted from Phase 5, Mohali, by SSP Grewal, who was then in-charge of CIA staff, Patiala, and six others. It was further alleged that Kulwinder was eliminated by the accused in a 'fake encounter' on Tangori Kurda Road, Sohana.

... contd.

ALSO READ

326 EWS seats vacant in 35 schools

Constable loses daughter, wife under speeding truck

Acropolis: Rs 83-lakh water bill pending despite MC notices

Joint Entrance Examination: Eight students from Chandigarh get more than 300 marks