Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal did not appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 2015 Behbal Kalan firing incident. He had been summoned to appear at the Punjab Police Officers Institute (PPOI) in Sector 32.
Instead of appearing in person, Badal sent a written submission to the SIT. In that submission, he cited medical reasons, saying he had to visit a doctor for a medical check-up.
Sukhbir Badal Seeks Exemption in Behbal Kalan Firing Case
Badal has asked the SIT for more time. He has sought time until September 30, saying his schedule is busy with public rallies and outreach programmes across the state.
His representatives, Parambans Singh Romana and advocate Arshdeep Singh Kaler, met SIT officials at around 11 am on the day of the summons.
SAD Demands Written Questionnaire from SIT
Badal's side has also demanded a written questionnaire from the SIT before any appearance. In the submission, his team made the party's position clear.
"Further, we have also demanded a written questionnaire from the SIT. We doubt their intentions. We wish to cooperate; however, their..."
To put it plainly, the SAD president is not refusing to cooperate outright. His team says he wishes to cooperate, but wants the process to follow a written questionnaire first. That is the core of the dispute right now.
What This Means for the Behbal Kalan Probe
The Behbal Kalan firing incident is a 2015 case, and the SIT is tasked with investigating it. Badal is a key figure in the matter, which is why his appearance before the SIT carries weight.
- Badal was summoned to appear at the PPOI in Sector 32.
- He did not appear, citing a medical check-up.
- He has sought time until September 30.
- His representatives met SIT officials at around 11 am.
- SAD has demanded a written questionnaire from the SIT.
Our Take: Exemption or Delay?
In our view, this development raises a simple question that readers should keep in mind: is this a genuine medical exemption, or a way to push the appearance further down the calendar? Badal's team says he wants to cooperate. But cooperation in an investigation usually means showing up when called, unless there is a solid reason not to.
The demand for a written questionnaire is not unusual in itself. Many people facing investigation ask for questions in writing so they can prepare proper answers. That part is fair. But combining a skipped appearance with a request for more time until September 30 does invite scrutiny.
For the public, the bigger issue is the pace of the Behbal Kalan probe. This is a 2015 case. Every delay adds to the feeling that the matter keeps getting pushed back. The SIT should decide quickly on Badal's request. If the medical reason is genuine, the exemption should be granted with a firm new date. If not, the SIT should say so clearly.
What readers should take away is this: the case is still active, Badal is still a central figure, and his next appearance — or non-appearance — will be the thing to watch.
