Pauri Garhwal Police Constitutes Special Investigation Team for Kotdwar Shop Name Dispute
In a significant development, police authorities in Pauri Garhwal have taken decisive action by forming a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday evening. This team has been specifically tasked with investigating all three First Information Reports (FIRs) that have been filed in connection with the ongoing and contentious shop name dispute in Kotdwar.
Scope of the SIT Investigation
The SIT's mandate is comprehensive and includes probing the case related to the protest that occurred on January 31 outside the gym owned by Deepak Kumar. According to official statements, the investigative team will work diligently to identify all individuals involved in this demonstration. This includes approximately 30 to 40 members of the Bajrang Dal who have been named as unidentified accused in the police records.
The three FIRs under investigation cover distinct incidents:
- The first FIR pertains to an event on January 26, when Deepak Kumar, a local gym owner, confronted members of the Bajrang Dal. These individuals had allegedly pressured an elderly Muslim trader to alter the name of his uniform shop, which has been operating for decades. Following this confrontation, a complaint was subsequently filed against Kumar by a member of the Bajrang Dal.
- The second FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by the shopkeeper himself, highlighting the pressure he faced regarding his shop's name.
- The third FIR was initiated by the police after they took suo motu cognisance of the demonstration held outside Deepak Kumar's gym on January 31. This protest involved members of the right-wing organization.
Leadership and Commitment to Impartiality
Sarvesh Panwar, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Pauri Garhwal, provided detailed insights into the investigation during a conversation with TOI on Thursday. He confirmed that the SIT will be led by Tushar Vohra, the Circle Officer of Pauri. "The SIT will investigate all three cases and identify the unknown accused involved in the Jan 31 incident. Necessary legal action will be taken once the investigation is complete," Panwar stated emphatically.
He further emphasized the police department's commitment to conducting the investigation with complete impartiality. "Chargesheets will be filed in a timely manner in all three cases to ensure that justice is served," he added, underscoring the procedural diligence being applied to this sensitive matter.
Heightened Security Measures in Kotdwar
In response to the tensions surrounding the dispute, a substantial police deployment has been maintained in Kotdwar to prevent any potential escalation of the situation. SSP Panwar outlined the security protocols currently in place: "We are maintaining strict vigil on all major roads, markets, public and religious places, and communally sensitive zones. Patrolling is being conducted regularly during day and night, both on foot and in vehicles. Quick reaction teams have been placed on alert to respond promptly to any emergency."
These measures reflect the authorities' proactive approach to ensuring public order and safety while the SIT carries out its investigative duties. The formation of the SIT marks a critical step towards resolving the complex legal and social issues arising from the Kotdwar shop name dispute, with a clear focus on upholding the rule of law and delivering justice through thorough and unbiased proceedings.
