Harpreet Chahal, a young man incarcerated in Kapurthala Modern Jail, died under suspicious circumstances. His family members protested against the death. Led by President Jassi Talan, the deceased’s family and members of the Shri Guru Ravidass Tiger Force first staged a sit-in outside the Civil Hospital. Later, the protesters demonstrated outside the SSP’s office and blocked the Kapurthala-Kartarpur Road, raising slogans against the police and the Civil Hospital administration.
The deceased’s family alleges that Harpreet Chahal died due to physical assault in jail and a lack of timely medical treatment. They also claim that the body was damaged during the post-mortem at the Civil Hospital due to a machine malfunction, which casts further suspicion on the entire matter.
Demand for Post-Mortem at PGI and High-Level Inquiry
Jassi Talan, head of the Shri Guru Ravidass Tiger Force, stated that Harpreet Chahal had been arrested upon returning from abroad after being declared a fugitive in a case. He alleged that Chahal was assaulted in jail and died due to the lack of proper medical care. The protesters have demanded a fresh post-mortem at PGI, a high-level inquiry into the entire matter, and action against the guilty officials.
Custodial Death Case; Administration Assures Inquiry
DSP Sukhpal Singh Randhawa stated that, following instructions from higher authorities, a Naib Tehsildar has been assigned to coordinate with the aggrieved family. The protesters’ demands will be conveyed to senior officials. He further added that since this case involves a custodial death, further action will be taken under the directives of the district administration and the honorable Sessions Judge.
