Amritsar: Firing a fresh salvo at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP on Tuesday accused the chief minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab govt of politicising the Bargari sacrilege and Behbal Kalan police firing cases instead of ensuring timely justice for the victims.Punjab BJP spokesperson Sarchand Singh alleged that the Mann govt had used the sensitive issues for political gains while failing to deliver justice.He claimed that the AAP, while in the opposition, had promised justice in the Bargari sacrilege and Behbal Kalan police firing cases within 24 hours of coming to power. However, even after more than four-and-a-half years in office, the Bhagwant Mann govt has failed to secure any conclusive outcome, said Sarchand Singh.He further alleged that the renewed momentum in the investigation ahead of the assembly elections raised serious questions about govt’s intent and priorities.“The people of Punjab no longer want political narratives. They want the real perpetrators identified, prosecuted and punished in accordance with law,” said the spokesperson.Sarchand Singh reiterated that the BJP had consistently demanded a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation into the Bargari sacrilege and Behbal Kalan firing cases, maintaining that no individual, regardless of political position or influence, should be spared if found guilty.Questioning the state govt’s handling of the investigation, Sarchand Singh asked why no effective legal action was initiated after the Bargari sacrilege and Behbal Kalan police firing cases were transferred from Faridkot to Chandigarh.He also questioned why, despite substantial material available with investigators regarding the alleged role of the Dera chief, govt had failed to secure transit custody for his interrogation.Sarchand Singh further alleged that the special investigation team (SIT) had sought the requisite approval for prosecution-related proceedings in May 2022, but the home department, headed by CM Mann, took nearly two-and-a-half years to grant the sanction. He claimed that if govt’s objective was to ensure justice, there was no justification for such a prolonged delay.Referring to proceedings before the Supreme Court on April 29, 2025, Sarchand Singh questioned why the trial court proceedings were halted and sought an explanation from govt, saying such developments raise concerns about its commitment to ensuring justice.Citing official figures, the spokesperson said that of 597 registered sacrilege cases, convictions had been secured in only 44, while 99 ended in acquittals and 131 remained pending before courts. According to him, these figures reflect the lack of meaningful progress in securing justice.He also alleged that the Mann govt had once again brought the sacrilege issue to the forefront to shift the political narrative away from the state’s pressing challenges, including the drug menace, deteriorating law and order, unemployment, mounting debt, slow pace of development and unresolved concerns of govt employees.Sarchand Singh claimed that the timing of the renewed focus, with elections drawing closer, suggested a politically motivated strategy.Emphasising the sensitivity of the issue, he said incidents linked to religious faith should be investigated without political considerations. The BJP spokesperson maintained that the people of Punjab expected a fair and transparent probe, accountability for lapses and action against those genuinely responsible for the sacrilege incidents.
