The Punjab Special Investigation Team (SIT) has summoned Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal to clarify his role in a 2015 police action against protesters. This move comes in the wake of BJP leader Vijay Sampla's statement denying his signature on a representation submitted to the Punjab Governor regarding sacrilege incidents. The SIT's probe examines the sequence of events leading to the police action, including the role of the then Chief Minister, Home Minister, and Director General of Police. The investigation also focuses on the timing of the decision to use force, with the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) confirming that the order was given during the night. The Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing incidents, which occurred amid protests over sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib, resulted in the deaths of two protesters and injuries to several others. This case highlights the complex dynamics of political representation, police action, and public protests in Punjab, raising questions about accountability and the use of force in maintaining public order.
