JALANDHAR — Swift administrative action has been taken following the tragic murder of a 13-year-old girl in Jalandhar, with police officials facing dismissal and suspension for alleged negligence, while the Punjab government announced a comprehensive relief package for the victim’s family.
Police Action
The Jalandhar Police Commissioner dismissed Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mangat Ram from service for dereliction of duty during the critical initial hours of the investigation. Two Police Control Room (PCR) personnel who were on patrol duty that night have also been suspended.
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police-2 Harinder Singh Gill, ASI Mangat Ram was the duty in-charge on the night of the incident. “He searched the house and, after negligently interacting with the accused, informed people that the girl was not present at home,” Gill stated. The two suspended PCR personnel were present at the scene during the botched investigation.
Government Relief Package
On Thursday, Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat announced substantial government assistance for the victim’s family after attending the girl’s final prayers. The relief package includes:
- A permanent government job for the deceased’s mother to ensure financial independence
- Transfer of her son from the SDM office in Adampur to Jalandhar so he can live with his mother
- Additional financial assistance to the family
“The government will provide a permanent job to the mother in the coming days so that she would not have to depend on anyone else for her livelihood,” Minister Bhagat announced.
Growing Public Outrage
The murder has sparked widespread anger across Punjab, with various social and religious organizations organizing candlelight vigils demanding justice. The Sant Samaj paid tribute to the victim at the Gurdwara Sahib, while Sikh societies demanded that the accused be handed over to them.
A large contingent of police officers, including Jalandhar Superintendent of Police Dhanpreet Kaur, arrived to pay their respects.
Commission Investigations
Women’s Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill and Child Rights Commission Chairman Kanwardeep Singh met with the victim’s family and assured them of justice.
Gill raised critical questions about the police response: “How did the police fail to find the girl in the four-marla house? Why didn’t the police bring a female police officer with them upon receiving the missing girl’s complaint?“
She announced that a case would be filed against the officers who investigated the victim’s house and that a letter would be sent recommending their dismissal. “Anyone who compromises the safety of daughters is unfit to serve in the police,” Gill asserted.
Kanwardeep Singh emphasized that the POCSO Act provides for life imprisonment and death penalty, stating that the Commission would strive to ensure the accused receives the harshest punishment.
Political Response
BJP’s acting state president Ashwani Sharma visited Jalandhar in the afternoon and described the incident as “an atrocity against humanity,” accusing the police of gross negligence.
“The woman, who lost her husband a year ago, has now lost her daughter—a grief no one can understand,” Sharma said, demanding capital punishment for the accused. He also highlighted that nearly 13 rape cases have been reported in Punjab in the past month, criticizing the government’s response to rising crime.
Former Chief Minister Charanjit Channi, former MP Sushil Rinku, and former MLA Sheetal Angural also questioned the police action and demanded swift punishment for both the accused and the negligent officers.
Sharma sharply criticized the failure to file cases against on-duty policemen, calling it “extremely shameful” and indicative of government inaction.
Evening Solidarity Visit
In the evening, several leaders including Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Punjab Tourism Department Advisor Deepak Bali, Jalandhar Central Constituency In-charge Nitin Kohli, Mayor Vineet Dhir, and Nakodar MLA Inderjit Kaur Mann visited the victim’s family.
They assured the family of all possible government assistance, with officials stating that all information related to the case is being sent to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who may visit the family soon.
The investigation into the murder continues as authorities face mounting pressure to ensure justice for the victim and accountability for those who failed in their duty to protect her.
Leave a Reply