Sub-Inspector of Police Surjit Singh, who confessed to have killed more than 80 people in fake encounters, has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking protection from senior officers who are trying to prevent him from making an “honest confession.”

Mr. Singh who was recruited as constable in 1989, claimed that he had killed people under directions from senior IPS officer, P.S. Gill, who was then posted as district police chief in the border areas in Punjab. Senior officers provided him the courage and moral force to reveal the truth, he said.

The case is expected to come up for consideration of the court on July 8.

Mr. Singh created a sensation by making a confession on a television channel that he had killed at least 80 persons in fake encounters. For eliminating these people in fake encounters as well as neutralising terrorists in genuine encounters, Mr. Singh “got speedy promotions”.

But after 24 years, he continues as a constable in official records and draws the associated salary and perks.

During the period of terrorism, he was posted as SHO of various sensitive police stations in the terrorism ravaged border districts of Punjab.

Lists 16 fake encounters

The petitioner has listed at least 16 fake encounters in which at least three dozen persons, including some unidentified, were killed. He also provided details about the FIRs registered on the occasions and weapons that were planted on those killed.

Listing a multiple of reasons, Mr. Singh claims that the intensity of the crimes committed by him and those he witnessed left him very sad.

On many occasions he had considered the option of suicide as a means of atonement.