Delhi govt's probe into farmer suicide at rally ends

The Delhi government has completed its inquiry into the death of Rajasthan farmer Gajendra Singh and the report is expected by the end of this week. The Delhi Police, which refused to join the magisterial inquiry of the government, are conducting a parallel investigation into Singh’s death.

The Delhi government has completed its inquiry into the death of Rajasthan farmer Gajendra Singh and the report is expected by the end of this week. The Delhi Police, which refused to join the magisterial inquiry of the government, are conducting a parallel investigation into Singh’s death.

The inquiry was ordered by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who had accused the police of being complacent in handling the situation, leading to Singh’s death.

Sources said that at least 28 eyewitnesses gave their written statement to the sub-divisional magistrate who conducted the inquiry. The narrated the sequence of events leading to Singh’s death at the AAP rally at Jantar Mantar. These eyewitnesses include some AAP volunteers who had rescued Singh and rushed him to the hospital. They had recorded their statements only last week. However, many of those who have participated in the magisterial inquiry said they were yet to be approached by the Delhi Police’s crime branch.

Deputy commissioner (New Delhi) Sanjay Kumar said: “We had to find out the circumstances leading to Singh’s death and we have completed the inquiry. It is based on the eyewitness accounts of the people who appeared before the SDM. We will hopefully submit the report by the end of this week.”

Kumar said that none of the police officers joined the inquiry.

The crime branch officers on Monday again visited the Neem tree again where Singh had hanged himself. A few officers were spotted climbing the tree.

Facing flak for reportedly not rescuing Singh on time, the police have filed an FIR against unidentified AAP volunteers and leaders for instigating Singh to commit suicide.

While Singh’s family accused deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia of calling him to Delhi for the protest, police remained tightlipped about the allegations.

The police have got the call detail records of both the phones Singh used but have not confirmed or denied the allegations related to Sisodia.

Police sources said that their investigation would be extensive and include statements by family members.

Police are also probing the handwriting sample of the accused and have sent it for forensic examination to match it with the other writing samples they retrieved from his house.