British national Jagtar Singh Johal acquitted in Dera Premi murder case

Chandigarh: A Moga court has acquitted British national Jagtar Singh Johal, also known as Jaggi Johal, in the murder case of Dera Sacha Sauda follower Gurdeep Singh. Johal and his three co-accused appeared via video conferencing from Tihar Jail for the verdict.

Johal’s lawyer, Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, stated that he would appeal in the High Court against the conviction of the other three accused. The case, linked to an alleged target killing in 2016 at Burj Jawahar Singh Wala village in Faridkot district, had been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to the police, the investigation began after the arrest of Jammu and Kashmir resident Tirlok Singh Laddi, leading to the naming of UK-based Daljit Singh Jimmy. Jimmy was arrested upon his arrival in India on October 31, 2017, and further questioning implicated Johal and others.

After a trial spanning over six years, Additional Sessions Judge and UAPA Special Judge (Moga) Harjeet Singh pronounced the verdict on March 4.

While Johal was acquitted of all charges, three others were convicted. Johal’s legal team stated that the case lacked evidence and vowed to challenge the remaining convictions in the High Court.