Ludhiana: Dehlon SHO Shifted to Police Lines Over Alleged Delay in Action Against Fake Cops
Ludhiana: The Dehlon station house officer (SHO), Inspector Vijay Kumar, has been transferred to the police lines after senior officials alleged that action against three men posing as police personnel was delayed. The Ludhiana police commissioner has also ordered a departmental inquiry to examine the circumstances surrounding the delay.
The matter came to light after three men were allegedly caught consuming drugs at a vacant plot near the grain market in Gopalpur village, falling under the Dehlon police station area. The three were reportedly confronted by Nihangs, who allegedly assaulted them before handing them over to the police.
The incident, which took place on Thursday, gained wider attention after a video of the confrontation circulated on social media. In the footage, one of the men can allegedly be seen wearing clothing resembling a police uniform and tied to a pole while being beaten. The man is seen folding his hands and appearing to plead with those surrounding him.
According to police officials, the three men have been identified as Ajay Sharma, Akashdeep and Gurkirat Singh. Police alleged that they were consuming drugs when they were found at the vacant site.
Investigators also said that two of the accused were wearing black T-shirts displaying the Punjab Police logo along with khaki-coloured trousers. Their attire allegedly gave the impression that they were police personnel.
After the men were handed over to the police, questions were raised about the handling of the case and the time taken to initiate action against them. Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma subsequently ordered action against Inspector Vijay Kumar, transferring him from his post as Dehlon SHO to the police lines.
The commissioner also directed that a departmental inquiry be conducted into the SHO’s conduct. According to the police, information had been received that the officer had allegedly delayed action against the three impersonators.
Police officials said the inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged delay and determine whether any procedural lapses or other issues occurred while dealing with the case. Further action against the officer will be considered after the departmental probe is completed.
Meanwhile, the three accused have been booked under Sections 27, 61 and 85 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The case relates to the allegations that they were consuming drugs when they were found at the vacant plot.
The episode has also drawn attention to the risks associated with people allegedly using police-like clothing or insignia to create a false impression of authority. In this case, police said two of the men were wearing T-shirts bearing the Punjab Police logo, while their khaki trousers added to the appearance of police personnel.
The viral video has further brought the incident into public focus. However, the allegations against the accused and the circumstances surrounding the incident will be determined through the ongoing legal process.
For the police department, the immediate focus is now on establishing why action against the alleged imposters was delayed and whether the Dehlon police station followed the required procedure. The departmental inquiry ordered against the SHO is expected to provide clarity on the matter, with officials stating that further action will follow based on its findings.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
