Punjab's Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan Police Firing Cases Take Political Turn Ahead of Assembly Elections

The much-talked-about Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan police firing cases of 2015 have once again assumed political overtones ahead of the Assembly elections in Punjab. The statements recorded by Giani Raghbir Singh, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case have added to the woes of Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal. Sukhbir Badal was the Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister of the state at the time of the incident. The SIT headed by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Naunihal Singh has gone to the house of Giani Raghbir Singh and recorded his statements. According to sources, Giani Raghbir Singh has told the SIT that Sukhbir Singh Badal had clearly admitted his mistakes before the Akal Takht. The SIT has taken this step to give a legal basis to the entire live-telecast proceedings. Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal has described the statements of the former Jathedar as completely politically motivated.