Jodhpur Lawyer Manhandled at Police Station, Incident Escalates
A serious incident involving alleged manhandling of a lawyer, Bharat Singh Rathore, at. The Kudi Bhagtasni Housing Board police station in Jodhpur has sparked widespread outrage. Advocate Rathore claims he was pushed and his coat was torn during an interaction at the police station. This alleged misconduct has ignited a strong reaction from the legal fraternity, leading to protests outside the police station. The matter has now reached the Rajasthan High Court, which has taken serious cognizance of the situation, highlighting the gravity of the allegations and the immediate need for accountability.
Allegations of Threats and Misconduct by SHO
The incident reportedly began when Advocate Bharat Singh Rathore questioned a police officer taking a statement without wearing a uniform inside the station. This query allegedly provoked the Station House Officer (SHO) Hamir Singh, who reportedly became enraged. According to the allegations, SHO Hamir Singh threatened the lawyer, stating, "So what if. You're a lawyer, I will lock you up under Section 151 right now. All your advocacy will be gone. " Following this verbal threat, the lawyer claims he was physically assaulted, and his coat was torn. These allegations raise serious questions about the conduct of police. Personnel and their adherence to due process and professional ethics.
Lawyers' Protest and Public Inconvenience
In response to the alleged mistreatment, a large number of lawyers gathered outside the Kudi Bhagtasni police station and began a sit-in protest late into the night. The protest continued into Tuesday, intensifying the situation, while the demonstration by lawyers led to a significant traffic jam, extending for about 1 kilometer on the service lane outside the police station, causing considerable inconvenience to commuters and local residents. The legal community has condemned the incident as another instance of recurring misbehavior by the police, demanding stringent action against the entire staff of the Kudi Bhagtasni police station.
Rajasthan High Court's Swift Intervention
The Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of this grave matter, while on Tuesday morning, a division bench led by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma summoned Police Commissioner Omprakash, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP West) Vineet Bansal, and Kudi SHO Hamir Singh. During the court proceedings, a video depicting the alleged misbehavior with the lawyer at the police station was played, further underscoring the seriousness of the incident, while the High Court's prompt intervention demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens, especially those who are officers of the court.
High Court Reprimands Police Commissioner
After reviewing the video evidence, the High Court severely reprimanded Police Commissioner Omprakash. The court issued a clear directive to the Jodhpur Police Commissioner and the state government, emphasizing the necessity of providing 'soft skill training' to all police personnel, while the court stressed that police officers must be taught how to interact and communicate appropriately with the public. This strong admonition highlights the critical need for behavioral reform within the police force to prevent such incidents from recurring and to rebuild public trust in law enforcement agencies.
SHO Suspended, IPS-Level Inquiry Ordered
In response to the High Court's stern observations, the Police Commissioner informed the court that an inquiry into the incident would be conducted by an officer of IPS rank. He further stated that Kudi SHO Hamir Singh had been suspended immediately, and other police personnel found to be involved in the misconduct would also be removed from the station, while this swift action indicates the police administration's recognition of the gravity of the situation and its commitment to holding accountable those responsible. Such measures are crucial for ensuring discipline and accountability within the police force.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Future Directives
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for this case in one week. On top of that, the court has instructed the police to submit a detailed investigation report of the entire incident. This directive aims to ensure a thorough probe, bringing out the truth and holding all culpable individuals responsible for their actions. Lawyers continue to demand action not just against the SHO but against the entire staff of the Kudi police station, viewing this as a systemic issue. The incident underscores the vital importance of respectful interaction and professional conduct between law enforcement and the public, particularly members of the legal profession.
