Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Patiala Fake Encounter Case: High Court issues notice to Punjab Govt and CBI, seeks response
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 2, 2025 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued notices to the Punjab Government and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a petition alleging a fake police encounter in Patiala.
The court has sought detailed responses from both parties and scheduled the next hearing for the first week of July.
The petition was filed by advocate Navkiran Singh on behalf of the victim’s family, alleging that Jaspreet Singh, a resident of Nabha, was killed in a staged encounter by Patiala Police on March 12 in connection with a child abduction case.
Family Alleges Murder After Surrender
According to the family, Jaspreet Singh had already surrendered to the police when he was shot dead. Eyewitnesses reportedly claimed there was no sound of gunfire at the scene, raising serious doubts about the police version of events.
Advocate Navkiran Singh said, “The police carried out this fake encounter just to gain accolades. The post-mortem report reveals that three bullets were fired at close range, clearly indicating that this was a premeditated killing, not an encounter.”
Linked Incident Raises Further Questions
On the same night as the alleged encounter, the same group of police officers reportedly assaulted Colonel Bath and his son in Patiala, a case that had already attracted public attention. The latest incident has intensified scrutiny over the functioning and accountability of the local police force.
Call for CBI Probe
The victim’s family has demanded an impartial investigation by the CBI to ensure justice and accountability for those involved. They argue that only a central agency can conduct a fair probe into what they describe as a cold-blooded murder by the police.
Next Hearing in July
The court has directed both the Punjab Government and the CBI to submit detailed replies before the next hearing in July. The case is being closely watched as it could set a precedent for handling alleged fake encounter cases in the state.