Chandigarh: The North American Punjabi Association(NAPA) Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal on Friday expressed serious concern over reports that former Punjab Police DSP Jaspal Singh, a life convict in the abduction and murder of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, could not be traced at the address recorded in Nabha jail records after being released on bail in 2023.
In a statement, Chahal said the development raises disturbing questions about the monitoring of convicts released on bail and the accountability of the authorities responsible for ensuring compliance with bail conditions.
Describing the Khalra case as one of the most significant human rights cases in Punjab’s history, Chahal said any failure to keep track of those convicted in the case weakens public confidence in the justice system.
“Jaswant Singh Khalra sacrificed his life while exposing enforced disappearances and illegal cremations. His courage and commitment to truth continue to inspire people across the world. Any lapse in ensuring accountability for those convicted in his murder is unacceptable,” Chahal said.
He urged the Punjab Government, prison authorities, and law enforcement agencies to immediately trace the convicted former police officer, conduct a thorough inquiry into the circumstances that led to the lapse, and initiate action against officials found responsible for negligence.
Chahal said justice must not only be delivered but also seen to be upheld through strict enforcement of the law. He added that the Khalra family deserves complete transparency and that public confidence in the rule of law can only be maintained through accountability at every level.
Reaffirming solidarity with the Khalra family, Chahal said the state must ensure that no administrative failure undermines the legacy of Jaswant Singh Khalra or the pursuit of justice in the case