Family demands full inquiry after teen killed in protest

The family of a teenager killed during a protest in India say they will fight for justice.

18-year-old Jaspal Singh was killed last Thursday during a demonstration in the Punjab city of Gurdaspur. He was taking part in a protest with others campaigning against the death penalty imposed on Balwant Singh Rajoana, the man convicted for his role in the assassination of Indian chief minister of the Punjab, Beant Singh, in 1995.

Jaspal’s aunt Rajinder Kaur, who lives in Leicester, says her family want a full inquiry into his death because they do not have faith in the Indian justice system, despite reassurances from the Indian government. She says police opened fire on the crowds during the protest, which left her nephew dead.

Gurjit Singh, of the support organisation International Panthic Dal, said: “We want the Sikh community in Leicester to join in prayer to support the family and call for an inquiry into what happened to Jaspal.

“It is important that those who are responsible are dealt with by the law."

Last week, more than a thousand Sikhs from the Midlands held a rally outside the Indian Embassy in Birmingham, protesting against the planned hanging of Balwant Singh Rajoana.

The full report by Rajiv Popat: