BATHINDA, Punjab (November 18, 2014)—Satnam Singh from the village of Raiya in Bathinda was acquitted of the case registered against him in 2009. Earlier this year in March, Sikh Relief (SOPW) helped to secure his bail release so he could be reunited with his family and get away from the confines of prison, because, for over four years Satnam Singh has been continuously harassed, arrested and imprisoned.
First he was arrested by Deyalpura police and charged under the Indian Penal Code for conspiracy, breech of the peace and making a hate speech, and also possession of weapons under the Arms Act. He managed to clear his name in February 2011. Not long after, he was arrested by Barnala City police in September 2012 once again for possession of arms and he was charged under the Unlawful Activities Act (UAPA). It took almost a year until he was freed in July 2013.
Then, most recently Satnam Singh was arrested in September 2013, having spent less than two months back at home. Barnala City Police charged him under the UAPA Act and various sections of the Arms Act. On 17th March 2014 he was able to return home on bail, whilst we continued to fight the legal battle to clear his name. Satnam Singh is now free to return to his normal life and rebuild a future for his family.