SIT Reopens Ground Investigation in Bargari Sacrilege and Behbal Kalan Firing Cases

Punjab Newsline | Faridkot

A decade-old investigation into the Bargari sacrilege and Behbal Kalan police firing cases has gained fresh momentum after the Punjab Government reconstituted the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The probe is now being led by DIG Bathinda Harjeet Singh, with investigators intensifying efforts to review crucial evidence.

As part of the renewed investigation, the SIT on Thursday revisited key locations linked to both sensitive cases to reassess evidence and reconstruct the sequence of events.

The team first visited the Gurdwara Sahib in Burj Jawahar Singh Wala village, where the sacrilege controversy began after a copy of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib was reported stolen on June 1, 2015. The SIT also inspected the Bargari sacrilege site and the Behbal Kalan firing location, examining old records, available evidence, and the chronology of events to move the investigation forward.

The investigators are also scheduled to visit Bajakhana Police Station, where FIRs related to the cases were registered.

According to sources, the investigation has accelerated following the statement of former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh. As part of the ongoing probe, the SIT has already questioned former Union Minister Vijay Sampla, former OSD Gagandeep Singh Brar, and then Faridkot Deputy Commissioner Malvinder Singh Jaggi.

Sources associated with the investigation believe the final chargesheet in the Behbal Kalan firing case could be filed soon. There is also speculation that the SIT may take a decision regarding the alleged role of former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal in the case.

However, neither the SIT nor the Punjab Government has officially confirmed these reports. Sukhbir Singh Badal has already been named as an accused in the related Kotkapura firing case.

The Bargari sacrilege and Behbal Kalan firing incidents have remained at the centre of Punjab's political and legal discourse for years. The SIT's latest field inspection is being viewed as a significant step that could shape the next phase of the long-running investigation.