Ludhiana Police Chief Removes Station Head Over Custodial Torture Allegations
In a significant administrative move, Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma has ordered the immediate removal of a station house officer following disturbing allegations of custodial torture. The action comes after a local businessman filed a formal complaint detailing brutal treatment at the police station, including claims of electric shocks and physical assault.
Shocking Allegations of Police Brutality
The controversy centers around Sub-Inspector Vijay Kumar, who served as the Station House Officer (SHO) of Division Number 6 in Ludhiana. According to the complaint filed by businessman Sarabjit Singh, who operates a fish and chicken shop in Nirankari Mohalla, the incident began on the evening of April 3.
Sarabjit Singh alleges that SI Vijay Kumar initially visited his establishment to check for illegal alcohol consumption but found no violations and departed. Shortly after the officer left, four men arrived with a bottle of liquor, demanding to celebrate a birthday at the shop. Despite Sarabjit Singh's repeated refusals, the men reportedly stayed on the premises.
Minutes later, police officers returned to the scene and took Sarabjit Singh along with the four men into custody, registering a case against them. The situation escalated dramatically at the police station, where Sarabjit Singh claims he was subjected to horrific treatment.
The businessman alleges that officers removed his turban, dragged him across the floor by his hair, forced him to undress, and administered electric shocks to his nose and private parts. The torture allegedly continued until Sarabjit Singh's condition deteriorated so severely that he required emergency medical treatment at the civil hospital.
Immediate Administrative Action
Following the filing of the formal complaint on April 4, the Ludhiana police administration moved swiftly to address the serious allegations. Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma ordered the immediate transfer of SI Vijay Kumar to the police lines, effectively removing him from active duty while an internal investigation proceeds.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural) Jaskiranjit Singh Teja confirmed the administrative action, stating that transferring an officer to police lines represents standard procedure during such inquiries. "SI Vijay Kumar has been reassigned to the police lines pending investigation," Teja stated, emphasizing that this move ensures the officer cannot influence the ongoing probe.
To maintain operational continuity at Division Number 6 police station, SI Amarjeet has been appointed as the new Station House Officer with immediate effect. The swift administrative response indicates the seriousness with which police authorities are treating the allegations of custodial violence.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
While the transfer represents an initial administrative response, a comprehensive inquiry is now underway to verify the detailed allegations of custodial torture and potential human rights violations. The investigation will examine whether proper protocols were followed during the arrest and detention of Sarabjit Singh.
The case has drawn significant local attention in Ludhiana, an important industrial hub in Punjab. Community members have expressed particular concern about police conduct toward small business owners during routine enforcement of liquor laws. Many are watching closely to see whether the investigation will lead to criminal charges against the transferred officer.
No criminal charges have been announced against SI Vijay Kumar at this stage, as authorities complete their preliminary investigation. However, the severity of the allegations and the immediate administrative action suggest that police authorities are taking the matter with utmost seriousness.
The incident raises broader questions about police accountability and the treatment of citizens in custody, particularly during enforcement actions related to liquor violations. As the investigation continues, community leaders and human rights advocates are calling for transparency and justice in the handling of this disturbing case.
