This case brings to light the structural shortcomings that have beset the state and serves as a terrifying reminder of the terrible times of unchecked police violence in Punjab.
The frequency of extrajudicial executions, unauthorised incarcerations, and arranged meetings had alarmingly increased. This case’s specifics are terrifying. On June 22, 1993, a police team headed by Dilbagh and Gurbachan abducted Gulshan along with his brothers and father.
Source: Hindustan Times
Gulshan was detained illegally for a month before being slain in a staged encounter, while the others were freed. As “unclaimed,” his remains were cremated—a common tactic used at the time to conceal extrajudicial killings. After being disregarded at first, the matter was picked up by the CBI in 1995 upon the Supreme Court’s order, and almost thirty years later, a conviction was obtained.
Finally, the law has begun to catch up with unscrupulous police officers. Three ex-officers were given life sentences in September 2023 for the 1992 fictitious incident that resulted in the deaths of three juveniles.
Source: Daily Post Punjabi
In a different fictitious encounter from 1992, a retired sub-inspector had received a 10-year sentence the year prior. These examples show a pattern of serious wrongdoing and long overdue retribution.
The fact that justice was served highlights the families of the victims’ tenacity in the face of multiple obstacles, including the death of multiple accused during the trial and witness attrition. This can act as a deterrent against the misuse of power and is essential for rebuilding trust in the rule of law.
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