My son Kartik Popli was shot at by Vigilance team, claims victim's mother; officials refute charges
Chandigarh, June 25: Kartik Popli (26), son of Punjab's senior IAS officer Sanjay Popli, allegedly shot himself dead at his Chandigarh residence on Saturday.
The deceased's mother alleged that her son Kartik Popli was shot at by the Vigilance team. However, refuting the allegation, Chandigarh SSP Kuldeep Chahal said Kartik allegedly fired at himself with his licensed pistol.
Addressing the press conference, a Vigilance officer refuted the charges that their team was present at the crime spot. He said their team had already left the house of Sanjay Popli after the raid and the incident took place after this. He said Sanjay Popli also accompanied the Vigilance team during the raid on his house. The recovery was also made out of the house and Sanjay Popli had himself expressed his desire for the recovery of certain items.
"The incident took place after the team's return. Kartik was not questioned by the Vigilance. The incident may be the result of recovery trauma. No shots were fired in our presence," the vigilance official said, adding they were accompanied by a Sub Inspector- level official of the Chandigarh Police.
Also Read | Punjab Budget session Day 2: Teachers to work as educators only, no other govt assignment to be given: CM Mann
The recovered items included nine gold bricks, 49 gold biscuits, 12 gold coins, three silver bricks, 18 silver coins, four Apple iphones and Rs 3.5 lakh in cash.
However, after the death of her only son, his mother alleged that the police was responsible for the death of her son. The Punjab Vigilance team had arrested Sanjay Popli from Chandigarh in a corruption case four days ago. The senior IAS officer was to be produced in the Mohali court this afternoon.
The deceased's family alleged that "Kartik was being mentally harassed". "The Vigilance team was pressurising him to give false statements," they added.
According to the family, the Vigilance team had come to their house for a raid. During this, there was an argument between Kartik and the Vigilance officers.
Kartik's mother alleged that when she went upstairs, a Vigilance official had pointed a pistol at her son. She was sent downstairs. However, after some time, they heard the sound of bullets.
Also Read | Comprehensive law and order reforms in Punjab soon, says CM Bhagwant Mann
She alleged that they were being harassed. Her husband and senior IAS officer Sanjay Popli had been implicated in a false case. "Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann is exaggerating even a small matter for applause," she alleged
The body of Kartik Popli has been kept at the mortuary of GMHH of Sector 16. Meanwhile, a forensic team of the Chandigarh Police reached the Sector 11 house of Sanjay Popli for investigation.
-PTC News
