Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has demanded that gallantry medals awarded to police officers convicted in the Jaswant Singh Khalra case be withdrawn. DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka, in a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urged the immediate withdrawal of the President’s medal for gallantry conferred upon former SSP Ajit Singh Sandhu and former DSP Jaspal Singh. Both were convicted and implicated in the abduction, torture, and murder of the banker-turned-human rights activist Khalra.
The letter, jointly written by Kalka and committee general secretary Jagdip Singh Kahlon, said it was deeply disturbing to know that officers convicted in one of the most tragic and widely condemned human rights violations in the nation’s history continue to retain such prestigious national honours. Allowing gallantry medals to remain with the convicted cops undermines the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law, they added.
Paying tribute to Khalra, the DSGMC described the late human rights activist as a defender who dedicated his life to exposing the wrongdoings of the corrupt while upholding the dignity of countless innocent victims.
The letter addressed to the Punjab CM also states that honouring individuals guilty of such heinous crimes is not only an insult to the memory of Jaswant Singh Khalra but also deeply hurts the sentiments of the Sikh community, who continue to draw inspiration from the late activist’s courage to stand up against wrongdoing.
Kalka said, “Justice must not only be delivered but must also be seen to prevail,” adding, “The gallantry medals awarded to such officers must immediately be withdrawn.”
The committee also said it remains hopeful and optimistic that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann, would act with moral courage and uphold the principles of justice by ensuring these medals and honours are withdrawn at the earliest.
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