YAD activist fires at inmate in jail

Friday, 17/04/2015

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/yad-activist-fires-at-inmate-in-jail/68498.html

Bathinda : Members of two rival gangs today clashed inside the Bathinda Central Jail here during which one of them opened fire from a country-made pistol, leaving an inmate seriously injured.

Youth Akali Dal (YAD) activist Kulbir Naruana allegedly entered Gurdeep Singh’s cell around 6.30 am and fired at his rival with a country-made pistol. The two are learnt to have had a heated argument a couple of days ago.

Jatinder Singh Laddi, Naruana group member, sustained minor injuries in the scuffle. Learnt to be associated with gangster Gurpreet Sekhon, who was allegedly involved in the murder of sharpshooter Sukha Kahlon recently, Gurdeep was rushed to the Civil Hospital from where he was shifted to Faridkot. His condition was stated to be out of danger.

Gurdeep has been convicted in a murder case registered at Bailanwali police station. He is facing trial in 14 other cases, including those of murder, attempt to murder and robbery. He was shifted to the Bathinda jail four months ago from Barnala.

Talking to the media, Naruana alleged Gurdeep was the one who triggered the fight. An accused in six cases, including two of attempt to murder, Naruana is currently lodged in jail for allegedly firing at a constable inside the Bathinda Cantonment Police Station on January 11. He and his 12 supporters had reportedly arrived at the police station in connection with a complaint against them. As Naruana and his accomplices had arrived without being summoned, he fired at Hardeep Singh when the constable asked them to leave the police station.

Naruana is also an accused in the infamous attack on police personnel inside the Civil Hospital here. He had allegedly thrown chilli powder into the eyes of policemen before freeing a convict, Gurwinder Bindu, from their custody. He had recently come under scanner for uploading on a social networking site his photos from the jail through a mobile phone.

Gurdeep accused the jail staff of being hand in glove with Naruana due to his political links. He alleged the weapon could not have entered the prison without their connivance. Sources said after the incident, Naruana along with other accused in the case had been shifted to Patiala jail.

The police have registered a case against Naruana, Amandeep Singh alias Amana, Fateh Singh, Jatinder Singh Laddi and Jaspinder Singh under Section 307, 521, 120-B, 324, 148 and 149 of the IPC.

3 jail officials suspended
ADGP (Prisons) Rajpal Meena said, “We will take action after receiving the report of the inquiry being conducted by DIG Lakhwinder Singh Jakhar.”

Jakhar said, “We have suspended Assistant Jail Superintendent Balbir Singh. He was in charge of the cell where the incident occurred. Head warder Harbans Singh and warder Labh Singh have also been suspended…. There are certain important aspects of the inquiry. We can reply only after the inquiry is completed.”