Patiala Woman Alleges Police Misconduct in Forcible Home Entry and Property Tampering
A woman from Thuhi village in the Nabha subdivision of Patiala district has filed a formal complaint accusing police personnel of forcibly entering her residence, removing CCTV cameras, and snatching her mobile phone. The incident, which has sparked demands for an impartial investigation, occurred on March 5 around 6:45 pm, according to the complainant, Sandeep Kaur.
Details of the Alleged Police Intrusion
In a written complaint submitted to the Nabha Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Sandeep Kaur detailed that the Station House Officer (SHO) of Nabha Sadar police station, along with four other policemen—including two in civil dress—entered her house under the pretext of inspection. She alleged that during this unauthorized entry, the police personnel proceeded to remove CCTV cameras installed on her property.
When Sandeep Kaur objected to their actions and began recording the incident on her mobile phone, she claims that SHO J S Khokhar forcibly snatched the device from her. She emphasized that the material near her boundary wall was part of her private property and asserted that any construction within such premises does not justify police interference without proper legal procedures.
Police Response and Counterclaims
SHO Jaswinder Singh Khokhar has denied the allegations of CCTV removal or phone snatching. However, he provided context, stating that the police inspection was conducted in response to a molestation complaint filed a week earlier by neighbors against Sandeep Kaur's husband.
"The neighboring women alleged that Sandeep's husband and others were making inappropriate gestures from a window that directly faces their house," Khokhar explained. He further noted that despite repeated requests, the complainant and her husband did not cooperate with the investigation, prompting further legal action.
Calls for Justice and Administrative Review
Sandeep Kaur has demanded a fair and impartial inquiry into the incident, urging administrative authorities to take appropriate action against those involved. She also alleged that the police acted beyond legal boundaries and threatened her family with false cases, escalating concerns over potential abuse of power.
Nabha DSP G S Bal and SDM A P S Somal have acknowledged the complaint and stated they will look into the matter to ensure a thorough review. The case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement actions and citizen rights in the region.
