Chandigarh: The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) has sought urgent intervention by Punjab govt and state police to “ensure a fair and impartial investigation” into the death of Ajay Kumar, who was shot outside a temple in Abohar on Sept 27 and succumbed to his injuries on Oct 19.In a letter to Punjab chief secretary and DGP on Friday (Oct 23), the commission recommended a review of the case by a senior police officer not directly associated with the investigation. It also called for examination of Ajay’s statement recorded before his death, including its admissibility as a dying declaration, besides CCTV footage, forensic evidence and call records.The commission sought action against all those found involved on the basis of evidence, steps to trace absconding accused, a threat assessment for the victim’s family and witnesses, and consideration of compensation and legal assistance for the bereaved family. It also sought an action-taken report from the authorities.The letter noted that Ajay belonged to the Valmiki/safai karamchari community and that his father was also a safai karamchari. Citing Supreme Court-approved Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, the commission urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation proceeded expeditiously and without undue influence.Meanwhile, former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Thursday joined Ajay’s family in a sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly for the second consecutive day, demanding action against those allegedly involved in the murder.Jakhar accused the AAP govt of shielding criminal elements and demanded registration of an FIR based on Ajay’s statement before his death. He alleged that neither the chief minister nor any minister had heard the family’s plea despite repeated protests.The family has linked the case to the 2015 Bhim murder case, saying Ajay’s brother’s testimony had led to the conviction of the accused in that case.
