Ludhiana Traffic Gridlocked for Four Hours in Custody Torture Protest
A crucial traffic artery in the heart of Ludhiana experienced complete paralysis for four hours on Friday as demonstrators blocked roads demanding justice for a taxi driver who claims he was brutally tortured while in police custody. The protest brought significant sections of the city to a standstill, highlighting serious allegations against law enforcement officials.
Bharat Nagar Chowk Blockade and Police Response
Bharat Nagar Chowk, a major intersection in Ludhiana, was completely blocked from 11:30 AM until 3:30 PM by various organizations representing 28-year-old taxi driver Ranjodh Singh. The demonstration created massive traffic disruptions across multiple areas of the city. The standoff only concluded after senior police officials intervened and agreed to take legal action against those involved in the alleged incident.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP-III) Kanwalpreet Singh confirmed that authorities are registering cases based on the allegations. "The police are registering a case against four officers on the basis of these allegations," ADCP Kanwalpreet Singh stated. "A separate FIR is being lodged against the occupants of the car and their associates who allegedly assaulted Ranjodh Singh during the initial road incident."
Allegations of Custodial Torture and Abuse
The incident traces back to January 26 following what began as a minor traffic accident near Old Session Court Chowk. Ranjodh Singh, a resident of Chander Nagar, stated that his taxi collided with another vehicle, leading to a verbal confrontation. Despite his willingness to pay for damages, the situation escalated dramatically.
According to Ranjodh Singh's account, the other driver called several associates who allegedly assaulted him at the accident scene. Police then took him to the Kailash Nagar police post, where he claims he was "beaten up and tortured" and treated "mercilessly." His allegations include being kept in a lockup at Division Number 8 police station in freezing temperatures with his hands handcuffed.
"I raised an alarm at the civil hospital, accusing the police of targeting me, but they just took me back to the station," Ranjodh Singh recounted. He was released the following morning only after being coerced into signing blank papers, according to his statement. His family added that they were prevented from entering the police post for several hours while he was detained.
Widespread Traffic Disruption Across City
The protest caused significant transportation chaos throughout Ludhiana, forcing police to implement major traffic diversions at multiple critical points including Jagraon Bridge, the bus stand, and Bhai Bala Chowk. The four-hour blockade created ripple effects across the city's transportation network, affecting thousands of commuters and businesses.
The taxi driver's representatives stated they resorted to public protest only after two days of unsuccessful attempts to get authorities to address their grievances through official channels. The dramatic demonstration brought attention to what protesters describe as systemic issues in police conduct and accountability mechanisms.
This incident raises serious questions about police procedures and custodial treatment while highlighting how public frustration can manifest in disruptive protests when formal complaint mechanisms appear ineffective. The police response, including the promised FIRs against both officers and civilians, represents an attempt to address the allegations through legal channels following the public pressure.
