The magisterial probe into the self-immolation of a protesting teacher earlier in the week has begun with statements of eyewitnesses being recorded. The probe,by Dasuya SDM Mohammad Tayab,will look into all aspects of the incident,including what the police could have done to prevent it. Sources said police officials present on the spot that day have been asked to explain why proper action was not taken to prevent the incident. Kiranjeet Kaur,who was among the teachers demanding a degree under the Elementary Teachers Training programme,burnt herself after climbing a water tank with four others Sunday evening. It is learnt that the inquiry will also look into why fire brigade was not arranged well in time when the protesting teachers threatened self-immolation and carried kerosene and petrol while climbing the water tank. The police had sufficient time to call the fire brigade because the teachers sat on water tank for two hours before Kiranjeet set herself on fire. A source said the police have also been asked to explain why a safety net was not put around the water tank when the teachers threatened extreme steps. The net was put in place only after the self-immolation.Eyewitnesses have already accused DSP Bhadur Singh,who was present on the spot,of calling the teachers threat a drama,which led to the emotionally charged Kiranjeet to commit self-immolation. Kapurthala DC Raj Kamal Chaudhary said the SDM would submit his probe report in 15 days.
