Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik took decisive action on Monday by suspending a constable from the Sarkarwada police station in Nashik. The suspension followed serious allegations of the constable manhandling a lawyer from the Nashik district court.
Incident at Nashik Civil Hospital
The confrontation occurred early Monday morning at a police chowkey located on the premises of Nashik Civil Hospital. Advocate Tushar Donde, the lawyer involved, had come to the hospital in connection with a tragic case.
What Triggered the Altercation?
Advocate Donde was seeking information about the panchanama document related to the suicide of an acquaintance. When he politely requested to see this document from the constable on duty, the situation quickly escalated.
The constable reportedly became angry at the lawyer's request. Instead of providing the document or explaining the procedure, the police officer began verbally abusing Advocate Donde. The confrontation turned physical when the constable started beating the lawyer.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
Advocate Donde sustained visible injuries to his face and head during the assault. The incident shocked those present at the hospital premises and raised immediate concerns about police conduct.
Bar Association Intervention
Members of the Nashik Bar Association learned about the incident quickly. They organized a visit to Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik's office to formally report what had happened.
The lawyer's representatives presented their account of the events to Commissioner Karnik. They detailed how the constable had assaulted Advocate Donde simply for requesting a document related to a legal case.
Commissioner's Swift Response
Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik took the allegations very seriously. After hearing the Bar Association's complaint and reviewing preliminary information about the incident, he made an immediate decision.
Commissioner Karnik ordered the suspension of the constable from duty. The suspension will remain in effect until a thorough investigation is completed and a final decision is reached about appropriate disciplinary action.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about police-public interactions in Nashik. The swift suspension demonstrates that police leadership will not tolerate misconduct by officers, particularly when it involves members of the legal community.
The case also raises questions about access to documents during police investigations. Lawyers routinely need to review panchanama documents as part of their legal work, and this incident suggests potential barriers to that access.
Police Commissioner Karnik's prompt action sends a clear message about accountability within the force. The suspension serves as both punishment for the alleged misconduct and a deterrent to other officers who might consider similar behavior.
The Nashik Bar Association has expressed appreciation for Commissioner Karnik's quick response. They have emphasized the importance of maintaining professional relationships between police and legal professionals for the proper functioning of the justice system.
