Using the catchphrase that 'Probe is on', top police officials tactfully handled media queries relating to the tearing of uniform of lakhibagh police outpost in-charge by MlA Rajkumar during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. As the matter is directly related to ruling Congress MlA, considered close to the CM, the cops playing safe.
At Uttarakhand police headquarters, the incident was a hot issue of discussion among the cops. Junior cops, in the rank of inspectors and sub-inspectors, were keen to know the stand being taken by the seniors on the issue. Some of them were also heard making interesting remarks.
Sources said a senior police officer, posted at the police headquarters, sought complete details of the incident from senior superintendent of police, Kewal Khurana on phone. He briefed the whole matter to senior officer. A well-placed source said that Home department also gathered information on the matter from the top cops.
Moreover, a group of media persons keen to take the version of the DGP on the matter tried to meet the latter. He, however, denied taking queries on the issue.
Inspector General of Police (law and Order) Ram Singh Meena took queries on the matter. He, however, tactfully answered the queries. When asked whether a case would be registered against those who allegedly tore the uniform of a cop, the IG (lO) said, "Probe is being carried out into the whole matter. Scene would be clear after the probe. Action would be ensured against those found guilty."
The IG said that as he was public representative, he should be extended due respect. The IG also advised the public representative and his supporters not to take law in their own hand. "The public representative and his supporters should not take law in their hands," the IG said, adding that they should act in a restrained manner.
When contacted, MlA Rajkumar denied allegation of tearing the uniform of any cop. He said that in the name of maintaining traffic, the cops should not harass students and tourists by challaning their vehicles. The cops should challan the vehicles violating traffic norms.
It may be mentioned that the incident took place after two of the three youths, the supporters of MlA Rajkumar, were intercepted by the police during checking near the railway station. All three youths riding the bike were reportedly in inebriated condition during intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.
Before police could issue the challan to the youths, one of them called up MlA Rajkumar and asked the cop to talk to the MlA. The cop booked the two youths, ignoring their request. Moreover, the police an examination done on the two youths that confirmed that the youths were under the influence of liquor.
When the MlA reached the spot and asked the police to let his supporters go, the police did not oblige him. Thereafter, a ruckus ensued. Moreover, the police on Thursday, released the two youths who were challaned for allegedly driving under influence of liquor.