A viral video of a 24-year-old engineering graduate lodged in Sangrur jail alleging police misconduct and a false narcotics case has triggered a debate over anti-drug policing in Punjab. The woman, a resident of Chaunda village, made the allegations before the Punjab State Human Rights Commission member Jitender Singh Shunty during a grievance hearing inside the jail.
Woman's Allegations
In the video, the woman admitted to heroin addiction but claimed that police falsely implicated her in a case involving narcotic tablets. She alleged that she was interrogated at isolated locations and filmed before her formal arrest. She also named a medical store and a nearby village as centers of drug supply.
Police Denials and Counter-Video
Malerkotla police denied the allegations and maintained that the case was based on lawful recovery and investigation. Amargarh police station SHO Baljit Singh said police arrested the woman on April 5 after seizing 43 tablets from her possession. Her live-in partner, Pargat Singh, was separately booked after the seizure of 59 tablets. "The case is based on lawful seizure and due investigation, and the village panchayat supports the police version," the SHO said.
To counter the allegations, police released video statements of village residents claiming the couple was involved in drug peddling. Police also said the arrests followed inputs received during a community outreach meeting.
Human Rights Commission's Response
Despite the woman's detailed allegations of misconduct, the state's human rights commission indicated it would not launch a formal probe into her specific claims. "She spoke her heart and admitted her addiction," Shunty said. "Our motive is to reach the main suppliers. If everyone starts criticizing the cops, they might stop catching the suppliers."
The case has reignited discussions on the balance between effective anti-drug enforcement and protection of individual rights, with critics arguing that police must adhere to legal procedures even in the fight against narcotics.
