Police in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor district have registered cross complaints following a disturbing incident in Shivpuri village where a young man was tied to a tree. The event, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has led to a complex legal situation with allegations from both the victim and the accused.
Viral Video Triggers Police Action
Taking serious note of the widely circulated footage, the Afzalgarh police initiated legal proceedings. On the complaint of the victim's mother, Radha Devi, a case was registered under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the accused. The police have launched a full investigation into the matter to ascertain the complete sequence of events.
The Incident and Conflicting Claims
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday. According to the police version of events, Lokendra Singh, aged 24, allegedly entered the enclosure of Jaswant Singh (48), son of Natthu Singh, in the same village. It is claimed that Lokendra attempted to steal keys and engine-related equipment that were kept near an engine on the property.
Jaswant Singh allegedly caught Lokendra in the act. He then proceeded to tie him to a tree and informed the local police. Law enforcement officials soon reached the spot and freed Lokendra from his restraints. The police then took Lokendra to the police station for further questioning.
Legal Repercussions: Two Sides of the Story
The situation escalated legally with both parties filing formal complaints. Based on the complaint lodged by Lokendra's mother, Radha Devi, a case of assault was registered against Jaswant Singh for tying her son to the tree.
Separately, acting on the complaint filed by Jaswant Singh, a theft case was officially lodged against Lokendra Singh for the alleged attempt to steal the keys and equipment. This has resulted in the rare instance of cross FIRs (First Information Reports) stemming from a single event.
Afzalgarh Station House Officer (SHO) Ram Pratap Singh confirmed that complaints have been received from both sides and that the investigation is ongoing to uncover the truth behind the conflicting narratives.
The case highlights the challenges faced by police in rural areas where citizens sometimes take the law into their own hands, leading to complicated legal battles. The investigation will now determine the validity of the theft allegations and whether the method of detention employed by Jaswant Singh was lawful or constituted a punishable offense.
