11 years after Kotkapura, Behbal Kalan firing, no charges framed; Former Bureaucrat seeks Centre’s intervention
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 14, 2026: Former Punjab Special Chief Secretary KBS Sidhu has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking coordinated action in the Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan police firing cases, noting that no charges have been framed even after 11 years.
In his letter dated October 14, Sidhu called for a standing coordination committee headed by the Union Home Secretary to oversee prosecution-related issues in the two cases. He also sought the appointment of an independent Special Public Prosecutor by the Central Government to handle both trials.
Sidhu pointed out that both trials are now being held in Chandigarh, a Union Territory administered by the Centre through the Ministry of Home Affairs, while the investigation, necessary sanctions and prosecution remain the responsibility of the Punjab Government. He argued that this division of responsibilities requires a coordinated mechanism to ensure accountability.
The proposed committee would include the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Chandigarh, the Solicitor General of India and the Advocate General of Punjab. It would monitor pending investigation work, sanctions, supply of documents, and the attendance and protection of witnesses. The committee would meet at least once every quarter until both trials conclude.
To support his demand for an independent prosecutor, Sidhu cited the appointment of special public prosecutors by the Supreme Court in the 2G spectrum and coal block cases.
He also urged that the cases be kept separate from the forthcoming Punjab Assembly elections. According to his letter, if no action is taken by the Shaheedi Pandhrwara of the Sahibzadas in December, the Panth would approach the Supreme Court.
Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Union Home Secretary and the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Chandigarh.
The Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan police firing incidents took place in 2015 amid protests over incidents of sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib. The Behbal Kalan firing claimed the lives of Gurjeet Singh and Krishan Bhagwan Singh, while several people were injured in the police action at Kotkapura.
The cases have remained a major issue in Punjab, with demands for accountability and justice continuing over the years.