ASI Mangat Ram dismissed in Jalandhar 13-year-old girl’s murder case; Akal Takht Jathedar meets family, demands death penalty
PTC Web Desk: In a major action following the alleged sexual assault and murder of a 13-year-old girl in Jalandhar, the Punjab Police have dismissed ASI Mangat Ram for alleged negligence during the investigation. Jalandhar Commissionerate, under the direction of Commissioner Dharmpreet Kaur, terminated the officer’s service after finding serious lapses in handling the case.
A 13-year-old was allegedly found murdered in a bathroom of her neighbour's house at Paras Colony in Jalandhar. She was allegedly killed by 45-year-old man, who was her next-door neighbour and the father of her friend. It is suspected that the accused tried to sexually molest her and when she resisted, he killed her. The medical report of the girl is awaited. The accused was arrested by the police. The incident took place when the girl had gone to play wit the accused's daughter. She was not aware that her friend was not at home.
The accused Harminder Singh Rimpy (45) was booked under various sections of the BNS and the POCSO Act at the Basti Bawa Khel police station in here.
Residents alleged that when the girl's parents informed the police, a team from the local chowki searched the home of the alleged culprit, but returned saying the girl was not there. Later, the body was retrieved from the same house.
The accused used to drive a school bus and is father of two daughters. His wife had gone to her parents' home in Ludhiana when the incident took place.
Earlier, after protest by residents and the victim's family, ASI Mangat Ram of the Leather Complex police chowki was suspended for dereliction of duty. He was in-charge of the team that made the first visit to the victim’s house.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj visits victim's family
Meanwhile, Sri Akal Takht Sahib acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj reached Jalandhar to meet the victim’s family. He offered prayers for the girl’s soul and strongly demanded that the accused be given the death penalty. The Jathedar urged the Punjab Chief Minister and the DGP to ensure that the case is heard in a fast-track court so that justice is delivered at the earliest.
Gargaj said the crime should not be associated with any religion, stating, “A sinner has no religion. Sikhs never support or protect the guilty.” He added that the culprit must receive such a punishment that no one dares to commit a similar crime in the future.
The victim’s family also demanded strict action against all police personnel responsible for negligence. They alleged that attempts were made to pressure them into suppressing the case and appealed to the Prime Minister to ensure the death penalty for the accused.
Both the family and the Jathedar warned the administration that if any effort is made to shield the guilty, a major protest could be launched after the girl’s Antim Ardas.
- PTC NEWS
