Chandigarh: Punjab Congress workers staged protests across the state on Friday, demanding the dismissal and arrest of Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema over allegations that he abetted the suicide of Gulzar Singh. The protesters burnt an effigy of the minister, and submitted a memorandum addressed to the DGP seeking immediate registration of an FIR against the finance minister and his arrest.The memorandum said that the Punjab Police had registered an FIR against five persons but had “conveniently” avoided mentioning Harpal Cheema’s name in the FIR. “This is despite the fact that Gulzar Singh, in his dying declaration, held Harpal Cheema responsible for his suicide,” it noted.The memorandum further pointed out that a dying declaration is considered important evidence in such matters. “When Gulzar Singh has been so clear and categorical in mentioning Harpal Singh as the person responsible for his suicide, why has he not been named in the FIR and why is he not being arrested?” it asked.
