In a setback to the Sangrur police, a local court on Friday acquitted NRI Manpreet Singh, who was arrested two months ago, of terrorism charges.
After much hiccups, the Sangrur police managed to arrest Manpreet, who was also member Supreme Sikh Council, New Zealand, and All India Sikh Students Federation, from Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi on March 23 when he returned from New Zealand after 14 years.
As per the police, Manpreet, a resident of Bhiwanigarh, who was allegedly involved in terrorist activities, went abroad after jumping bail in 1999. Another case under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act was also registered against Manpreet in 1987.
Manpreet was declared a proclaimed offender after he jumped bail in a case of an alleged attempt to murder a deputy jail superintendent in October 1987. The case was registered at the Sangrur city police station.
District additional sessions judge Tejwinder Singh pronounced the judgment.
As per information, in two month-long court proceedings 19 witnesses were produced before the court but police failed to prove any strong evidence against Manpreet.
"I and my family had complete faith in Indian judicial system. He also thank the New Zealand authorities for pleading to the Indian and Punjab government to speed up the proceedings in the case," Manpreet said.
When asked whether the police will approach the higher court, senior superintendent of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said the case will be discussed with the prosecution wing to see if it would be fit to move higher court or not.
{{/usCountry}}When asked whether the police will approach the higher court, senior superintendent of police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said the case will be discussed with the prosecution wing to see if it would be fit to move higher court or not.
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