Reprieve for Taran Tarn farmers booked for cop's death

Punjab Government has recommended withdrawal of culpable homicide charges against farmers in connection with the death of an assistant sub-inspector of police during an agitation, based on the findings of a one-member judicial commission that he died of heart attack.
The Justice C R Goel Commission held that ASI Kulbir Singh's death during a farmers' agitation in Taran Tarn district in March this year was due to a heart attack, as confirmed by medical reports.
"The accused who were stated to be present at the place of incident and allegedly manhandled the police officer don't seem to be responsible for his death," the report said.

According to an official spokesperson, Justice Goel had submitted the report to the state Home department on December 6, which further examined the contents of the report.
It also recommended initiation of proceedings in the competent court for withdrawal of the cases registered against the accused (farmers) under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the IPC, he said.
However, the culprits would face trial for commission of offences punishable under various sections of the IPC.
In March this year, the ASI was found dead in suspicious circumstances at Geobala village of Taran Tarn district in the wake of farmers' proposed 'rail roko' agitation.

Police had booked and arrested several farmers, holding them responsible for the ASI's death. Several farmers' unions, including Bhartiya Kisan Union, had condemned the police action in this incident.