The Special Court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) recorded evidence from prosecution witnesses on February 10 in connection with a case concerning targeted killings in Punjab, linked to five individuals allegedly associated with Khalistani terrorist organizations. This case involves the killings of leaders from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and affiliated Hindu leaders occurring in 2016 and 2017. The Supreme Court has mandated that the case be heard by the NIA court located in New Delhi.
Accused Individuals Face Multiple Charges
During the proceedings, Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma heard the testimony of a protected witness brought forward by the NIA. The accused in this case—Hardeep Singh, known as Shera; Raman Deep Singh, referred to as Bagga; Jagtar Singh Johal, also called Jaggi; Manpreet Singh; and Amninder Singh—were presented in court under heavy security measures. These individuals are implicated in a total of eight cases involving murder and attempted murder.
Legal Representation for the Accused
A group of lawyers led by advocate Jaspal Singh Manjpur, along with advocates Rahul Sahani and Sahil Warsi, represented the accused in court. Advocate Manjpur mentioned that the defendants have been in custody since 2017. The Supreme Court, while hearing a bail application for Jagtar Singh Johal, instructed that the trial proceedings commence based on its order; this began on February 4, leading to the recording of the prosecution’s evidence.
Protected Witness Evidence and Future Hearings
Evidence from two protected witnesses has been documented during the trial. The next hearing is scheduled for February 16. Notably, it is alleged that Jagtar Singh Johal, a citizen of the United Kingdom, traveled to Paris in 2013 and provided £3,000 to an individual named Harminder Singh Mintu for the purpose of acquiring arms. The bail application for Johal is still pending before the Supreme Court, which has requested a report regarding the evidence provided by the protected witnesses by February 24. The hearing for the bail request is set for March 24, as informed by advocate Manjpur.