Lucknow: A special court hearing cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has summoned two senior Uttar Pradesh Police officers in connection with an assault case linked to a village head election rivalry in Amethi district.
Court Orders Appearance
Special Judge (SC/ST Act), Sultanpur, Rakesh Pandey, on Friday issued summons to Harendra Kumar, the then additional superintendent of police (ASP), Amethi, who is currently posted as ASP in Ambedkar Nagar, and Akhilesh Verma, the then circle officer (CO), directing them to appear before the court on July 29.
The court has also summoned one of the main accused, Vikram Vivek Singh, who was given a clean chit during the investigation.
Departmental Inquiry Ordered
It also directed the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police and the Principal Secretary (Home) to conduct a departmental inquiry against the police officials concerned and take appropriate action.
Background of the Case
The case stems from an FIR lodged on March 25, 2024, by Virendra Kumar of Pure Gosai hamlet in Sujanpur village under Gauriganj Kotwali of Amethi. The complainant alleged that he and his brother, Rakesh Kumar, were attacked due to a long-standing rivalry arising out of village pradhan elections. Rakesh Kumar reportedly sustained serious injuries in the assault.
Investigation Controversy
According to court records, the initial investigation had resulted in the preparation of a chargesheet against all the named accused. However, the chargesheet was subsequently returned and the matter was reinvestigated. During the second investigation, Vikram Vivek Singh was granted a clean chit, while chargesheets were filed against the remaining accused.
The complainant challenged the decision to clear Vikram Vivek Singh in court. During the course of proceedings, the court noted that the circumstances under which the investigation was altered, and a clean chit was granted warranted closer examination.
The court has also sent copies of its order to the DGP and the Principal Secretary (Home) for action.
