PCA recommends action against three policemen for misconduct

The PCA was hearing a complaint filed by Vineet Verma, who alleged that he was assaulted in custody and been humiliated by Inspector Ranjit Singh and other policemen as he had complained against drug trade.

Verma submitted in his complaint that he had made a complaint against intoxicating hukka bars operating in Panchkula and Chandigarh.

A vigilance complaint against an ASI, Narinder, in this matter was pending before the court.

As per Verma, it was for this reason that he was beaten up and mentally tortured by Inspector Ranjit Singh.

On February 24, 2020, the PCA gave tentative findings that Inspector Ranjit Singh, S-I Vidya Nand and ASI Raj Singh, and also Constable Rajesh Kumar, are guilty not only of serious misconduct but also of criminal acts calling for strict disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.

These tentative findings were forwarded to the Chandigarh DGP to present the department view.

The DGP submitted a report before the PCA, stating that the matter against the complainant was presented before the SDM.

On hearing the matter, the SDM remarked that the respondent had apologised for his mistake, and criminal proceedings were dropped against the complainant and he was discharged accordingly.

As per the PCA order, the DGP defended the action of police officers, and stated that the complainant did not make any complaint about beating and injuries, either to the SDM or the jail authorities.

The complainant expressed an apology before the SDM and said that he will not repeat any wrongdoing in future.

The PCA, however, said that the findings show that the complainant was arrested in a police station under preventive measure (107/51 Cr.P.C.) on the complaint of a woman.

The DGP has not mentioned anything about the evidence that has been discussed and has relied solely upon the apology of the complainant which is contrary to all evidence, and apology before the SDM by the complainant could be out of compulsion to get rid of proceedings under 107/51 the CrPC.

In its order, the PCA said, “We affirm tentative findings regarding gross misconduct of Inspector Ranjit Singh, Sub-Inspector Vidya Nand and Assistant Sub-Inspector Raj Singh as also Constable Rajesh Kumar. Therefore, we recommend disciplinary action should be taken against the police officers/officials in terms of the order, dated February 24, 2020.”