The Lohian Khas police have booked two persons for allegedly creating and circulating false information and rumours about the death of ASI Puran Singh.
Shahkot Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sarwann Singh said the accused identified themselves as representatives of Sher-E-Punjab Media Brigade — Bahadar Singh Sandhu and Gurlal Singh Gill of Shahkot.
The DSP said the accused circulated a leaflet claiming responsibility for the murder of ASI Puran Singh, who was posted at Shahkot police station and died in a road accident in the Lohian Khas area on May 18.
The DSP said Lohian Khas police had earlier booked an unidentified vehicle driver in connection with the accident.
Baldev Singh, a resident of Gatta Mundi Kasu Basti Bhane Wal village under Lohian Khas police station, told police that his father was returning home after duty on the evening of May 18 when a speeding vehicle hit his motorcycle, causing his death.
The police had registered a case under Sections 106-A (causing death by negligence), 281 (rash driving on public roads) and 125-A (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the unidentified driver.
The DSP said the accused also alleged in the leaflet that the ASI harassed local families. They warned police officials against “fake encounters” and claimed they did not need firearms or traditional weapons to target erring officers. They also appealed to Army and police personnel to quit their jobs and asked residents to share information about alleged police torture.
The DSP said police have now registered a case under Section 353(2) of the BNS for spreading statements through social media or electronic means that may incite public disorder, promote mutiny in the armed forces, or create enmity between communities. Further investigation is underway.
It is pertinent to mention that some vernacular newspapers had earlier reported that ASI Puran Singh was murdered on May 18.
