Dehradun: Teachers at a polytechnic college in Pitthuwala, Dehradun, have alleged that a police sub-inspector (SI), accompanied by four others, forcibly entered the examination control office on June 5, vandalised property and threatened staff members. The incident occurred a day after his son was caught cheating during a final-year civil engineering examination. Both episodes were captured on CCTV cameras, officials confirmed.
Cheating Incident and Subsequent Vandalism
According to faculty members, a final-year civil engineering student, Kabir Kandwal, was reprimanded by invigilators on June 4 for attempting to communicate with fellow examinees. He was subsequently directed to submit a written explanation. On June 5, Kabir’s father, Mahesh Kandwal, allegedly stormed into the examination control room with four associates. College principal Avinash Jain said, “The staff were manhandled, the office was vandalised and teachers were threatened with dire consequences. Four faculty members reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation.”
College Principal's Statement
“We will submit a detailed report of the incident for the department and comply with any recommendations regarding disciplinary measures against the student. Meanwhile, police have initiated an investigation based on CCTV footage. Such conduct within an educational institution is unacceptable,” principal Jain said.
Faculty Protests and Legal Actions
On Saturday, faculty members staged a protest at the college, wearing black armbands to demand a fair probe and strict action against the accused. They are expected to resume regular duties on Monday. Authorities confirmed that both parties have filed FIRs against each other. SI Kandwal was posted in the telecommunications unit and was suspended by SSP Pramendra Dobal on Sunday.
Police Version of Events
Circle officer (Sadar) Ankit Kandari said the incident took place on June 4, after which both sides lodged complaints against each other on Saturday. “In his complaint, Kandwal alleged that during the exam on Friday, his son, Kabir Kandwal, objected to the college staff facilitating cheating for some examinees. Consequently, the accused staff members, including Prabhat Khanduri, Pawan Kumar, Piyush Kala and Shivani, confined his son in a room for several hours and assaulted him,” Kandari said.
FIR Details
An FIR was registered against the four accused under BNS sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 127(1) (wrongful confinement), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace). The counter-complaint was lodged by the college principal against Kandwal and his son.
