Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Chandigarh on Monday for questioning in connection with the 2015 Behbal Kalan police firing case.
The SIT questioned Badal for around two-and-a-half hours at the Punjab Police Officers’ Institute in Sector 32 after summoning him through an official notice.
Speaking to reporters after the questioning, Badal alleged that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was attempting to divert public attention from the directives issued by the Akal Takht by reviving the case. He said the Shiromani Akali Dal would neither be intimidated nor bow to political pressure.
Badal also said he would continue to cooperate with the investigation and would appear before the SIT whenever summoned.
Before appearing before the investigation team, the SAD leader accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of using the case for political purposes. He claimed that the Akali Dal was regaining strength in Punjab and alleged that attempts were being made to hinder the party’s growth.
He further asserted that Punjab should be governed by Punjabis and expressed confidence that both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party would face defeat in the next Assembly elections.
Senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia and a large number of party workers were present outside the venue during Badal’s appearance.
The Behbal Kalan firing case relates to the police firing on protesters in October 2015, when demonstrations were being held against the sacrilege incidents at Bargari. Two protesters were killed in the firing. The SIT is continuing its investigation into the case and has been questioning individuals as part of its ongoing probe.
