Tarn Taran, September 10, 2025: In a significant verdict, a Tarn Taran court has convicted Khadoor Sahib MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura in the 2013 Usma case involving the assault and harassment of a Dalit woman. Additional Sessions Judge Prem Kumar on Monday ordered the immediate custody of Lalpura and other accused. The official sentence has not been disclosed, though reports indicate a jail term of four to five years.
The case dates back to March 4, 2013, when Harbinder Kaur Usma, her father Kashmir Singh, and family members attended a wedding function in their village. A group of taxi drivers allegedly harassed her, and when her family resisted, they were attacked. Police officers present at the scene were also accused of beating the family in public. Video footage of the incident soon reached the media, sparking nationwide outrage.
The Supreme Court later took cognizance of the matter and directed security for the victim’s family. Among those charged was Manjinder Singh Lalpura, who went on to win the 2022 assembly elections from Khadoor Sahib as an Aam Aadmi Party candidate.
During the hearing, defense lawyers appealed for leniency. However, at around 12:05 pm, the court ordered that the accused be taken into custody. While speculation suggests a four-to-five-year term, official confirmation is awaited.
