Goniana town observes shutdown over ‘custodial death’, kin protest at old grain market

A complete shutdown has been observed by traders in Goniana town to protest the alleged custodial death of Narinderdeep Singh in Bathinda. Demanding justice, the grieving family has begun a demonstration at the Old Grain Market, where people have gathered in solidarity. Yesterday, in response to a call given by farmers’ organisations and Punjab Beopar Mandal president Amit Kapoor, a town-wide shutdown was announced at Gurdwara Bhai Tikana Bhai Jagta Ji.

The family has held the police responsible for Narinderdeep Singh’s death, alleging that he died due to their brutality. This claim has been supported by a report issued by the AIIMS, Bathinda, they said. The deceased’s family has alleged that Narinderdeep died due to torture at the hands of the CIA-2 wing of the Bathinda police. The victim’s father, Ranjit Singh, maternal uncle Dr Navdeep Singh and wife Nancy made it clear that this struggle was not only a demand for justice but also a fight to restore public faith in the judicial system. Due to the seriousness of the allegations, a shutdown call was given in the city, which received full support. Even medical stores remained closed as a mark of protest. Among those present during the protest were Balkaran Singh Brar (All India Kisan Sabha state general secretary), Jasvir Singh Akalia, BJP district president Swaroop Chand Singla, Jagmel Singh Bathinda (Lok Morcha Punjab), Gurpreet Singh, Beant Singh Mahima, SAD district president Balkar Singh Brar, former Nagar Council president Gobind Ram Jindal, Lajpat Goel and senior Congress leader Sakhmander Singh Brar.

Bathinda