Chandigarh, May 9 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has responded to a petition seeking investigation into approximately 6733 encounter killings, custodial deaths, and illegal cremations in Punjab from 1984 to 1995. The CBI stated that initiating an investigation would be futile due to the lack of prosecutable evidence, difficulty in recalling incidents after three decades, and the absence of original records. The agency also emphasized its limited manpower and resources, suggesting that if the court deems it necessary, the state government should provide additional support for the investigation.

The reply has been filed by CBI after the division bench of Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Lapita Banerji, had issued notice to CBI, State of Punjab and Centre Government.

The HC is hearing the petition filed by PDAP (Punjab Documentation and Advocacy Project) and other petitioners, through Senior Advocate RS Bains.