“We Will Not Back Down Until Priya Gets Justice,” Says Raj Kumar Arora

Fast-to-death protest extended till October 17 as family vows to continue fight against police inaction

City E News | Jalandhar

In a determined show of protest, national-level athlete Priya Talan and her family — supported by members of the Global Media Network and several social and media organisations — continued their fast-to-death demonstration outside the DIG Office, Jalandhar, demanding justice in the alleged rape case involving Priya.

The protest, which began earlier this week, took an emotional turn as Priya and her family returned medals and certificates she had earned through years of sporting excellence. The demonstrators raised strong slogans against the alleged negligence and bias of the Patara Police in handling the case.

“We will not back down no matter how far we have to go to get justice for Priya,”
— Raj Kumar Arora, Punjab Chairman, Global Media Network

Following a meeting with DSP Rajiv Kumar, who assured that arrests would soon be made, the protestors agreed to extend the fast till October 17, 2025, to allow time for the authorities to act.

Police Assurance but Anger Remains

In the absence of DIG Singla Sahib, DSP Rajiv Kumar visited the protest site in Adampur and interacted with the agitating family. He reportedly assured that the accused — Manjinder Singh Kala, his wife Neetu, and alleged accomplices Prem Bansal, Gurdeep Kaur, Amritpal Singh, and Baljinder Singh — would soon be arrested and booked under the appropriate charges.

However, the family and supporters remain unconvinced, citing previous instances where the Patara Police allegedly protected the accused despite clear evidence.

Allegations of Police Collusion

Addressing the media, Raj Kumar Arora alleged that after Priya and her mother were beaten on May 18, 2025, the Patara Police registered false cases — FIRs 37/20-5-2025 and 38/21-5-2025 — against the victim’s family and even sent two of Priya’s brothers to jail.

He added that FIR 38/2025 was officially crossed on August 8, 2025, yet no progress was made in arresting the main accused. Arora further accused Station In-Charge Krishan Gopal and Investigating Officer SI Anju Gill of misleading senior officers to shield the culprits.

“Instead of arresting the real criminals, the police are busy framing the victim’s family. This injustice will not be tolerated,”
— Raj Kumar Arora, Global Media Network

Protestors’ Demands

The victim’s family and supporting organisations have listed three primary demands:

Immediate arrest of all accused named in FIR No. 38/2025.
Registration of a new FIR for the attempted kidnapping and knife attack on Priya on July 13, 2025.
Suspension and impartial investigation against Patara Police officers — Krishan Gopal, SI H.S. Sandhu (currently posted at Pacharanga), SI Anju Gill (currently at Bhogpur), and ASI Jeevan — under an independent IPS officer.

Protest to Intensify if No Action by Thursday

The demonstrators have warned that if their demands are not met by Thursday, they will intensify the agitation by holding a “plate and spoon” protest in front of the IG Office, followed by the burning of Priya’s medals and certificates — symbols of her hard-earned achievements.

“Priya has devoted 13–14 years of her life to sports and the pride of Punjab. If the system cannot protect her, these medals hold no meaning,” said Raj Dulari, Priya’s mother.

Support from Across Punjab

The protest drew wide support from several organisations and activists including Punjab Youth President Mani Kumar Arora, Media Association Chairman Amandeep Mehra, Secretary Mahavir, Krantikari Press Association President Anil Verma, social workers Raj Kumar Saki, Raj Kumari Sharma, and Pamma Johal (District Secretary, BJP SC Morcha).

The demonstrators reaffirmed that the struggle will continue peacefully but relentlessly until justice is delivered and the guilty are behind bars.