A distressing incident of alleged police misconduct has surfaced in Panchkula, where a senior citizen couple reported being harassed, threatened, and subjected to an extortion attempt by police personnel at a late-night checkpoint. The complaint has prompted an official verification by senior police officials, who have promised strict action if any wrongdoing is confirmed.
Chilling Details of the Late-Night Ordeal
The complainant, Rakesh Sood, a resident of MDC Sector 4, detailed a harrowing experience that unfolded in the early hours of January 6. According to his written complaint to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Mansa Devi Complex police station, Sood and his wife were returning home from the airport in a taxi around 1:15 am. As they approached the Panchkula entry gate near MDC Sector 6, close to the Chandigarh-Panchkula border, two police personnel signalled their vehicle to stop.
The policemen allegedly asked Sood to step out without providing any reason. What followed was a traumatic episode where the couple claims the officers used abusive language and explicitly demanded money to allow the taxi to proceed. The senior citizens were forced to stand outside their vehicle for 30 to 40 minutes on a deserted road in the biting cold, an experience they described as both frightening and humiliating. Sood further alleged that the policemen appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Police Response and Official Verification Underway
Following the incident, Rakesh Sood took the matter to senior police officers. When he contacted the SHO of Mansa Devi Complex police station, he was reportedly informed that no official police checkpoint (naka) had been permitted at that location on that particular night. This revelation added a serious dimension to the allegations.
Reacting to the formal complaint, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Manpreet Singh Sudan stated that the allegations are being thoroughly verified. "We are verifying the incident. If there is any lapse or wrongdoing on the part of police personnel, strict action will be taken as per rules," DCP Sudan told the media. He added that preliminary information suggested the naka was linked to the concerned police station. The complainant has demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and stringent action against the accused personnel.
Broader Implications and Call for Accountability
This incident raises significant concerns about police conduct and the safety of citizens, especially during nighttime travels. The fact that the victims were senior citizens has amplified public outrage. The case now hinges on the findings of the police department's internal verification. The promise of strict action provides some hope for accountability, but the outcome of the probe is eagerly awaited by the community. Such allegations underscore the need for transparent mechanisms to address complaints against law enforcement and ensure public trust is maintained.
