Subjugation
(दमन)
Twenty four years ago in 1989
The village of Simi Jhanda in Punjab faced serious allegations of police misconduct during the late 1980s. Villagers reported that individuals were frequently detained without formal complaints or FIRs. Many were accused of being militants and subjected to unlawful detention until their families paid money for their release.
Amid this situation, Harjeet, a literate and aware villager, began questioning these actions. He intervened when he witnessed police beating a villager and asked for proper documentation such as an FIR or complaint. The police failed to provide any. Over time, Harjeet repeatedly challenged such actions and became a prominent voice against these practices.
His efforts gained community support, and he was eventually elected as the Sarpanch of the village. In this role, he educated villagers about their legal rights and raised awareness in nearby areas as well. He also approached authorities along with other village leaders, urging them to follow due legal procedures.
However, his actions reportedly made him a target. The police later accused him in connection with a murder case, arrested him, and subjected him to severe treatment. His family was later informed that he had escaped custody and was presumed dead.
आज से चौबीस साल पहले, सन 1989
पंजाब का सिमी झन्डा गाँव उस समय पुलिस की कथित ज्यादतियों से प्रभावित था। कई ग्रामीणों को बिना किसी औपचारिक शिकायत या एफआईआर के गिरफ्तार किया जाता था। उन पर उग्रवाद से जुड़े होने का आरोप लगाकर हिरासत में रखा जाता और परिवार से धन वसूला जाता।
हरजीत राजावत एक जागरूक ग्रामीण थे जिन्होंने इन घटनाओं का विरोध किया। उन्होंने पुलिस से कानूनी प्रक्रिया का पालन करने की मांग की और कई लोगों को बचाने की कोशिश की। बाद में वे गाँव के सरपंच बने और लोगों को उनके अधिकारों के बारे में जागरूक किया।
उनकी सक्रियता के कारण वे पुलिस के लिए असुविधाजनक बन गए। इसी दौरान उन्हें एक हत्या के मामले में आरोपी बनाकर गिरफ्तार किया गया और कथित रूप से उनके साथ कठोर व्यवहार किया गया।
Kuljit Singh Dhatt or Harjeet Rajawat
The Kuljit Singh Dhatt Case
The case of Kuljit Singh Dhatt in 1989 remains a subject of legal and public discussion. Kuljit, related to the family of Kuljit was reportedly taken into custody by police officials during the night of January 25–26, 1989.
An FIR was filed two days later stating that he had confessed to hiding weapons near the Beas River and had allegedly escaped by jumping into the river while in custody. However, his body was never recovered.
In 1990, Kuljit’s wife and Prakash Kaur approached the Supreme Court, leading to the formation of an inquiry commission. The commission submitted its findings in 1993, indicating that Kuljit had been abducted and eliminated. Charges were filed against the accused officials, including criminal conspiracy, abduction, and illegal confinement.
The case remained pending for nearly 14 years. During this period, Prakash Kaur continued to pursue justice, even approaching higher courts for expedited hearings. Two of the accused passed away during the proceedings.
On May 9, 2014, the court sentenced three of the accused to five years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 364 of the IPC, along with a monetary fine.
Prakash Kaur’s Pursuit of Justice
Prakash Kaur, the youngest sibling of Bhagat Singh, played a significant role in pursuing justice in this case. Born in 1921, she was 12 years old at the time of Bhagat Singh’s execution in 1931.
She spent nearly 25 years seeking accountability and continued legal efforts even after the verdict, including appeals for stricter punishment. She later moved to Canada and lived with her family during her final years.
Prakash Kaur passed away on September 28, 2014, coinciding with the 107th birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh.
Hindi Summary
यह मामला कुलजीत सिंह दत्त से जुड़ा है, जिन्हें 1989 में पुलिस द्वारा हिरासत में लेने के बाद गायब कर दिया गया था। बाद में जांच में यह सामने आया कि उनका अपहरण और हत्या की गई थी। उनकी पत्नी और प्रकाश कौर ने न्याय के लिए सुप्रीम कोर्ट का सहारा लिया।
लंबी कानूनी प्रक्रिया के बाद 2014 में तीन आरोपियों को सजा सुनाई गई। प्रकाश कौर ने इस मामले में लगभग 25 वर्षों तक संघर्ष किया।
Watch Related Episodes
YouTube:
Part 1: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH6hEvNvb30
Part 2: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IlJ8qS_R3Y
SonyLiv:
Part 1: www.sonyliv.com…subjugation-part-1
Part 2: www.sonyliv.com…subjugation-part-2
Detailed Case Story:
www.crimestories.co.in/2014/09/crime-patrol-25-yrs-after-dhatts-murder.html