HC nod to shift Gikki case out of Jalandhar

Where the case stands transferred yet to be known

Chandigarh, September 20
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has transferred the trial pertaining to the murder of Gurkirat Singh Sekhon, alias Gikki, out of Jalandhar district.
An hotelier's young son, Gikki was allegedly murdered by SAD MLA Sarabjit Makkar's nephew Ram Simran Singh Makkar, alias Prince, who is also a SAD councillor. The victim, Gikki, and Prince were childhood friends as they had studied together.
As the case came up for hearing, Justice Rajan Gupta made it clear that the case was being transferred out of Jalandhar. As a detailed order was not yet available, it is not certain where the case stands transferred.
The High Court, on the previous date of hearing, had issued notice to Jalandhar Commissioner of Police, complainant in the case and other co-accused. They were asked to explain why the trial shall not be stayed during the pendency of the petition for transfer of the case.
The notices were issued by the High Court during the resumed hearing of a petition filed by Ram Simran Singh Makkar, prime accused in the case. On August 10, Makkar moved the High Court for transfer of trial out of Punjab. The petitioner contended fair and independent trial could not be expected in Punjab as there was a very strong hate campaign against the accused in the case.Alleging complainant Rajbir Singh was playing an active role in the hate campaign, the petitioner submitted that the district administration, too, had become paralysed to protect the accused.