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Punjab and Haryana High Court HC asks Punjab Police to share chargesheet with Senior Advocate Krishna Kumar Goyal in wife’s murder case

Addressing the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Krishna Kumar Goyal termed the investigation into his wife's death “shady” and alleged that certain crucial leads had not been pursued.

4 min readChandigarhUpdated: Feb 13, 2026 03:53 PM IST

Deputy Advocate General Salil Sabhlok said the Mohali court has taken cognisance of the challan and that further investigation is continuing. (Express File Photo)

The Punjab and Haryana High Court Friday directed the Punjab Police to supply a copy of the chargesheet to Senior Advocate Krishna Kumar Goyal in the murder and burglary case involving the killing of his wife last year, so that he could point out any discrepancies in the investigation.

The direction was passed by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry while hearing matters arising out of multiple FIRs involving advocates and their families.

Deputy Advocate General Salil Sabhlok, appearing for the Punjab Police, informed the court that the chargesheet under Section 193(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was presented on February 12 before a court at SAS Nagar, Mohali, against three accused in the murder case.

Sabhlok said the Mohali court has taken cognisance of the challan and that further investigation is continuing as certain forensic reports, including a viscera report, are awaited. A supplementary police report would be filed, if required, he added.

Sabhlok submitted that all three accused have been arrested and are in custody. He said recoveries effected during the investigation form part of the court record and that the earlier grievance regarding the alleged non-recovery of gold articles had been addressed to the extent possible.

Also Read | Domestic mastermind behind robbery-murder of former AAG’s wife in Mohali, arrested: police

Addressing the bench, Goyal, a former additional advocate general of Punjab, termed the investigation “shady” and alleged that certain crucial leads had not been pursued.

He submitted that some of those named in statements had not been made accused despite repeated representations to the SSP. He said the victim’s family did not wish to obstruct the probe but sought a copy of the challan to point out any deficiencies and assist the court.

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The bench permitted the complainant or his son-in-law, a doctor at AIIMS, and a complainant in one of the FIRs to file a reply within two weeks, highlighting any discrepancies in the investigation.

Mohali theft case

In the second FIR relating to a theft reported in January 2025, the law officer said the investigation is still underway. He told the bench that about 19 to 20 people had been examined during the investigation.

Two men, Vishnu and Sanjay Kumar, were nominated as accused after the complainant recorded a supplementary statement on January 31. Vishnu was arrested from SAS Nagar, Mohali, while Sanjay Kumar was arrested from Bihar and brought on transit remand.

However, Sabhlok said call detail records showed that Sanjay Kumar had not visited the crime scene on the relevant date. Vishnu’s mobile location showed his presence in Sector 66, Mohali, during certain dates, but he claimed he was working as a painter at a neighbouring house.

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Fingerprints of both were obtained and sent for comparison, but no match was found with the prints lifted from the spot. He said neither of the two has been cleared, and the investigation against them continues.

The court was also informed that a regular departmental inquiry has been initiated against ASI Bupinder Singh for delay and laxity in investigating the theft case, and that the probe is now being handled by the SHO concerned. Sabhlok sought four weeks’ time to present the outcome of the current investigation to the court.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More

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