Sukhbir Badal Skips SIT Summons In Behbal Kalan Firing Case, AAP Reacts

September 11, 2026

Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal did not appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing case. He had been summoned to appear at the SIT headquarters in Chandigarh at 11 a.m., but had not reached the office so far.

His lawyers and senior party leaders, Advocate Arshdeep Singh Kaler and Bikram Singh Majithia, reached the Police Institute in Sector 32 at around 10:45 a.m.

AAP Leader Alleges BJP-Akali Understanding

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leader Ranbir Singh Dhindsa held a press conference and claimed that Sukhbir Badal was not appearing before the SIT. He alleged that an understanding was being reached between the BJP and the Akali Dal.

Dhindsa claimed that the BJP had advised Sukhbir Badal not to appear before the SIT and assured him that the party would protect him.

What Happened In Behbal Kalan

On October 14, 2015, police opened fire on Sikh devotees protesting against the desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib in Behbal Kalan, Faridkot. Two protesters, Krishan Bhagwan Singh and Gurjit Singh, were killed in the firing.

At the time, Punjab was governed by the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance, with Parkash Singh Badal as Chief Minister and Sukhbir Singh Badal serving as Deputy Chief Minister and holding the Home portfolio.

Multiple Commissions, SITs Investigated Case

Several inquiry commissions and Special Investigation Teams have been constituted over the years to investigate the case. These included the Justice Zora Singh Commission and Justice Ranjit Singh Commission.

During the investigations, the roles of former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, former IG Paramraj Singh Umranangal and Sukhbir Singh Badal, among several police officials and political leaders, came under scrutiny.

SIT Intensifies Probe In 2026

The SIT headed by IG Harjit Singh has intensified the investigation in 2026. In June, former Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh recorded his statement before the SIT.

In July, the SIT visited the sites at Burj Jawahar Singh Wala and Behbal Kalan. BJP leader and former Union Minister Vijay Sampla also appeared before the SIT on September 3.

Political Expert Calls It An Attempt To Divert Attention

Senior journalist and political analyst Dr Bhupinder Singh said that Sukhbir Badal had already suffered the political consequences of the sacrilege issue and had also apologised before the Akal Takht Sahib.

He said that summoning him for questioning at this stage could be an attempt to divert public attention from other issues.

Questions Raised Over Harpal Singh Cheema

According to Dr Bhupinder Singh, the government is currently facing challenges on several fronts. Questions have also been raised over state government’s number-two minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

He said that if Sukhbir Badal is arrested in the case, it could generate public sympathy for him. The government, he added, was also aware of the possible political impact and therefore the questioning process could be prolonged.