Chandigarh: A Patiala local court remanded all 11 accused in the case where an ASI’s hand was chopped off in an attack by a group of ‘Nihangs’ in Patiala, in an 11-day police custody. DGP Dinkar Gupta said they will seek a fast-track trial after completing the probe within 10 days.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjeet Singh (50) is recovering at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh after doctors reattached his hand in an over seven-hour-long surgery on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday enquired about the health of the ASI.
According to an official release, Amarinder wished for his speedy recovery and said the “entire state was proud of him”. He asked the ASI to convey him through senior officials at the hospital if he had any requirement.
The CM also promised the ASI of the strictest action against those involved in the “brutal and unprovoked attack” on him.
The entire police force was currently engaged in the difficult and momentous task of enforcing the curfew and providing relief to the needy, while putting their own lives on the line, said the CM, adding that any such assault on the force will not be tolerated.
Earlier on Monday, the chief minister tweeted, “Spoke to ASI Harjeet Singh, who is recovering after his operation, to enquire about his health. The composure & bravery with which he spoke today is truly worthy of admiration. Wishing him a speedy recovery.”
Harjeet Singh’s hand was cut with a sword while three other Punjab policemen and a mandi official sustained injuries when the Nihangs attacked them after being asked to show curfew passes at a vegetable market in Patiala district on Sunday morning.
The CM on Sunday had condemned the attack and warned that anyone violating the curfew, imposed in the state since March 23 to check the spread of COVID-19, would be strictly dealt with.
Commenting on the issue, DGP Dinkar Gupta tweeted, “Will complete probe in 10 days & move for trial on fast track to ensure quick & deterrent action in this case,” Gupta tweeted.
Gupta said PGI Director Jagat Ram himself met the ASI on Monday. They found the patient doing well but cautioned against too many visitors.
Only his wife is currently allowed to meet him once a day, he said.
DGP Gupta, in an official release, said that all 11 people arrested in connection with the case have been remanded in 11-day police custody by a court in Patiala.
The accused had been booked under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, Disaster Management Act, Explosives Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Arms Act. (PTI)
