Chandigarh, September 10
Punjab Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa, today demanded the immediate arrest and dismissal of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the serious allegations raised by the family of Gulzar Singh of Dirba.
Bajwa said the family has alleged that Gulzar Singh’s last rites were conducted forcibly, without their consent and under heavy police deployment. The family has now refused to hold his Bhog until justice is delivered.
“The allegations made by Gulzar Singh’s family are extremely disturbing. A family that has lost its loved one is now saying that even his final rites were conducted against their wishes. If the government has nothing to hide, why was such a heavy police presence required and why was the family’s consent allegedly ignored?” Bajwa asked.
Bajwa said the Punjab government cannot selectively apply the law depending on the political position of the person facing allegations. He cited the case of government official Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who died by suicide after allegedly naming then Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar. An FIR was registered, Bhullar was arrested, and a chargesheet has subsequently been filed.
“If action could be taken against a minister in that case, why is Harpal Cheema being treated differently? Is there different law for powerful AAP ministers?” Bajwa asked.
Bajwa demanded the immediate arrest of Harpal Singh Cheema, his dismissal from the Punjab Cabinet, and registration of an FIR against every person responsible for the alleged forcible cremation. He also demanded an independent and time-bound investigation into the entire episode.
Reacting to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s appeal not to do politics over dead bodies, Bajwa said, “Mr Mann, demanding justice for a grieving family is not politics. Gulzar Singh deserves dignity, accountability and justice even in death.” Bajwa said the Congress would continue to stand firmly with Gulzar Singh’s family until justice is delivered.