Patiala court sentences 5 Nihang Sikhs in 2020 clash that followed attack on ASI | Chandigarh News

Patiala: A local court on Tuesday sentenced three Nihang Sikhs to five years’ imprisonment and two others to two years’ imprisonment for their involvement in a clash with police during an operation launched in April 2020 to arrest those accused of chopping off an assistant sub-inspector’s (ASI) left hand at Patiala’s grain market.The clash occurred at Gurdwara Khichdi Sahib in Balbera village, where police had gone to apprehend the accused who had attacked ASI Harjit Singh while he was enforcing Covid-19 restrictions on April 12, 2020. Additional sessions judge Harinder Kaur Sidhu sentenced Balwinder Singh, his son Jagmeet Singh, and Nirbhai Singh to five years in prison under the Arms Act, two years for assault on a public servant, and three months for obstructing a public servant. Gurdeep Singh and Bant Singh were sentenced to two years in prison. “The sentences are to run concurrently. The court has dropped all other charges including attempt to murder, explosives act and UAPA section. These Nihangs had gone to sabzi mandi on April 12 to purchase vegetables for langar preparation for the Vaisakhi celebrations on April 13,” said accused’s counsel Simranjit Singh Saggu.

Two other accused, Bakhshish Singh and Gurmeet Singh, were acquitted after the court found insufficient evidence against them.Following the attack on the ASI, the accused had fled to Gurdwara Khichdi Sahib in Balbera. The then senior superintendent of police (SSP), Mandeep Singh Sidhu, led a large-scale counter-operation involving more than 200 police personnel, including specialised units. Police alleged that the Nihangs were armed and had prepared petrol bombs and gas cylinders to resist arrest. After prolonged negotiations and public address announcements urging surrender, the police apprehended multiple accused. Initially, 11 accused were arrested including a woman. But, four days later, police let off four accused, including the woman.The case drew nationwide attention in 2020 due to the attack on ASI Harjit Singh. The incident prompted the Punjab Police to launch a widely publicised solidarity campaign titled “#IAmHarjitSingh,” highlighting the risks faced by police personnel while performing their duties. ASI Harjit underwent surgery at PGI Chandigarh and was later promoted to sub-inspector in recognition of his bravery. “All the convicted accused have already completed their sentences and been released, except accused Baba Balwinder Singh, who continues to remain behind bars in connection with another case—FIR No. 71 registered at Sadar Patiala police station—which pertains to the direct attack on ASI Harjit Singh at the grain market. While other co-accused in FIR 71 are currently out on bail, Baba Balwinder’s bail plea remains pending,” said advocate Saggu.That case is still pending in court. The FIR 71 at Patiala Sadar police station was registered under IPC sections 307 (attempt to murder), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (hurt by dangerous weapons), 326 (grievous hurt by dangerous weapons), 353 (assault on public servant), 186 (obstructing public servant), 332 (causing hurt to deter public servant), 335 (causing grievous hurt to deter public servant), 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapon).Disaster Management Act (DMA) 2005: Sections 188 (disobedience to order), 51 (obstructing government servant).