HC Orders PGI Post-Mortem for Daljit Singh After Police Clash
Punjab and Haryana High Court orders a fresh post-mortem for Daljit Singh at PGI Chandigarh following family allegations of police misconduct.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stepped in to ensure a transparent investigation into the death of Daljit Singh, a resident of Bhamme Kalan village in Punjab's Mansa district. The court has specifically directed that the Daljit Singh post-mortem be conducted at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, with his final rites to be performed at the Sector 25 cremation ground.
A Family's Fight for Justice
The court's intervention comes after a petition was filed by the deceased's sister, Amarjit Kaur. In her plea, she sought a comprehensive investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), an independent autopsy at PGI Chandigarh, and protection for her family members.
The tragedy began on October 27, when Daljit Singh was discovered unconscious near his home. He subsequently passed away, leading his family to believe that the cause of death was a suspected drug overdose. However, the events following his death have sparked a bitter conflict between the family and local law enforcement.
Allegations of Police High-Handedness
According to the petition, the family, along with villagers and panchayat representatives, attempted to take Daljit's body to an anti-drug demonstration in Mansa to highlight the menace of narcotics. The family alleges that as they reached Ramdittewala Chowk, police intercepted the procession.
The petitioner claims that the police:
- Resorted to a lathi-charge against the grieving family and villagers.
- Forcibly seized the mortal remains of Daljit Singh.
- Conducted an initial post-mortem examination without the family's knowledge or consent.
Conflicting Versions of the Incident
The family's account paints a picture of desperation and grief. Paramjit Kaur, the wife of Daljit Singh, had previously demanded justice and the release of family members and villagers who were detained by the police. She recounted the trauma of having her husband's body "snatched away" while they were on their way to protest in Mansa.
While the family maintains that Daljit used drugs and likely died from an overdose—even suggesting his body might have been thrown from a vehicle—the police have taken a different stance. Law enforcement officials have classified the incident as a murder and are currently searching for the perpetrators responsible for the death.
By ordering the post-mortem at the prestigious PGIMER facility, the High Court aims to provide a definitive medical answer to the conflicting claims surrounding the death of the Mansa resident.