Mohali mayor and two others acquitted in 15-year-old murder case

Times News NetworkMohali: A special CBI court in Mohali on Saturday acquitted three accused, including Mohali mayor Amarjeet Singh, alias Jeeti Sidhu, in a 15-year-old murder case, on the grounds that evidence produced by the prosecution was not sufficient to prove their involvement.
Former sarpanch Kulwant Singh and Jatinder Singh were also acquitted. However, the court convicted another accused, Dilbar Singh, in the same case.The case relates to the killing of Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Dec 19, 2010, in Baliyali village, falling under Kharar area of Mohali. The incident was linked to a long-standing family feud between Kulwant Singh and Harjinder Singh. Based on the statement of Harjinder Singh, son of the deceased, Mohali police registered a murder case.The dispute reportedly began over vehicle parking. The argument later escalated into a violent clash. During firing from both sides, Ratan Singh sustained fatal injuries and died. A few members of Kulwant Singh's family were also injured in the incident. Later, Harjinder Singh alleged that Amarjeet Singh, alias Jeeti Sidhu, brother of then Congress MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu, was also involved in the murder. A complaint was filed with the Mohali police in this regard. However, Harjinder was dissatisfied with the police investigation and moved Punjab and Haryana high court.Following the high court's directions, the investigation was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Oct 12, 2012. During a probe, CBI pointed out several serious lapses in the initial investigation conducted by the local police. These included delays of several months in recording eyewitness statements, failure to file the chargesheet on time, not taking the accused on remand, and recovered weapons not being sent for forensic examination.After conducting a detailed investigation, CBI submitted its findings in court. During the trial, it emerged that the incident took place over knocking on the door of Kulwant Singh's house. While pronouncing the judgment, the court acquitted Mohali mayor Amarjeet Singh alias Jeeti Sidhu, former sarpanch Kulwant Singh and Jatinder Singh. However, Kulwant Singh's relative Dilbar Singh was convicted under Sections 304 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Arms Act. The court said Dilbar Singh would be sentenced on Dec 24. MSID:: 126094870 413 |

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