Sukhwinder Singh, a 33-year-old attendant with the Placement Cell at NIPER S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), has been missing since February 3, 2021. Employed through an outsourcing agency, Singh was a resident of Paprali village near Kurali, according to media reports.
Despite a Daily Diary Report (DDR) being filed at Phase 11 Police Station in Mohali, the case remains unresolved, highlighting severe lapses in accountability and security.
Singh’s entry into the campus on February 3 is recorded at the main gate, but no exit record exists. This raises serious questions:
- How can someone go missing in broad daylight from a campus equipped with security guards at every gate and a single operational entry/exit point?
- Why has no action been taken against Dr. Vikram Singh, the Security and Estate Officer (SEO) tasked with ensuring campus safety?
The Institute houses over 1,000 students, employees, their families, and visitors at any time, making security a critical responsibility. Concerns over Dr. Vikram Singh’s appointment as Section Officer (Administration) have compounded matters, as his selection occurred under questionable circumstances just before the retirement of former Director Dr. K.K. Bhutani, who himself was named in a CBI FIR.
The incident also reflects a broader pattern of negligence among those in leadership:
- Dr. S.J.S. Flora, serving as Director (Additional Charge) of NIPER Mohali and NIPER Rae Bareli, was previously deemed ineligible for his post. His tenure has been marred by allegations, including a publicly available video of student abuse. Despite this, no action was taken against him.
- In Dr. Flora’s absence, Dr. Saranjit Singh acted as Director. His name appears in a pending CBI FIR filed in Mohali, yet he received a pension and terminal benefits without facing consequences for Singh’s disappearance under his watch.
- Mr. Jitender Kumar Chandel, Officiating Registrar at that time, was previously suspended and charge-sheeted by Dr. Raghuram Rao Akkinepally, only to be reinstated by Dr. Flora. Despite unresolved allegations, he still holds the position of Deputy Registrar (F&A).
This is not the first instance of administrative failures at NIPER Mohali:
- During Mr. Chandel’s tenure, a person drowned in the Institute’s swimming pool. No action was taken, despite his role as committee in-charge.
- Dr. Vikram Singh has a history of negligence, including a reckless driving incident where he collided with a two-wheeler ridden by an employee. Again, no action was taken.
Despite crores of rupees sanctioned by the Department of Pharmaceuticals for security measures, including cameras, lapses persist. The inaction of key bodies such as the Board of Governors, the Department of Pharmaceuticals, and the Apex Council points to systemic failures.
Sukhwinder Singh, a father of two and son of a retired army official, has been missing for over three years. The lack of accountability and justice not only affects his family but also raises concerns for the safety of students, employees, and their families at NIPER Mohali.
Higher authorities must hold the responsible officials accountable. Only by addressing these failures can there be hope for justice and a safer environment for all associated with the Institute.
