Tarn Taran, September 12, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
In a major development, Khadoor Sahib Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura has been sentenced to four years imprisonment by Additional Sessions Judge Prem Kumar in Tarn Taran.
The ruling follows his conviction, along with 10 others, in the 2013 molestation and assault case of Harbinder Kaur Usman, a woman from a Scheduled Caste family. Lalpura now has the option to challenge the court’s verdict in a higher court and seek legal relief.
A lawyer stated that he could comment only after receiving a copy of the order, which is still awaited.
Conviction and Custody
On September 10, the court declared Lalpura and the co-accused guilty, ordering their immediate custody. On Friday, the court pronounced the sentence, awarding four years rigorous imprisonment. With the sentence exceeding two years, Lalpura now faces automatic disqualification from the Punjab Legislative Assembly under law.
Case Background
The case dates back to March 3, 2013, when complainant Harbinder Kaur Usman attended a wedding function in Tarn Taran with her family. She was allegedly molested by taxi drivers, including Lalpura, and later beaten during a police assault. The viral video of the incident triggered nationwide outrage.
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance, directing paramilitary protection for the victim and her family. Later, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the transfer of seven policemen involved and criticized the police for their conduct.
Political Career
Despite the pending trial, Lalpura contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections and won from Khadoor Sahib, defeating Congress’ Ramanjit Singh Sikki by 16,491 votes.
Accused, Charges & SC/ST Act
Alongside Lalpura, the other convicted accused include Devinder Kumar, Saraj Singh, Ashwani Kumar, Tarsem Singh, Harjinder Singh, Narinderjit Singh, Gurdeep Raj (policemen), Harwinder Singh Shoshi, Kanwaldep Singh, and Gagandeep Singh (driver). Another accused policeman, Paramjit Singh, died during trial.
According to initial reports, five of the eight accused were awarded sentences and sent to jail, while the remaining three were granted bail.
The convictions were made under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage modesty)
- Section 506 (criminal intimidation)
- Section 324 (causing hurt by dangerous weapons)
- Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt)
- Section 148 (rioting with deadly weapons)
- Sections 188, 270, 283 (disobedience, malignant acts, obstruction)
and crucially, under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, given that the victim belongs to a Scheduled Caste community.
This combined conviction under the IPC and SC/ST Act makes the ruling particularly significant, sending a strong message on accountability in cases of atrocities against marginalized communities.
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