NRI Couple in Hoshiarpur Faces Police Case Over Street Repair Dispute
In a surprising turn of events in Hoshiarpur district, an NRI couple from the United States, both in their late 60s and former sarpanches of Jiwanpur Gujjran village, have been formally booked by Garhshankar police. The charges stem from their decision to dig up and raise the height of the street directly outside their ancestral home, an action they claim was necessary to prevent persistent waterlogging issues.
Couple's Defense: A Preventive Measure Against Property Damage
The couple, identified as Sohan Lal and his wife Surinder Kaur, explained their actions in detail. They stated that the street level along their property had significantly sunk over time, causing rainwater to collect dangerously during every monsoon season. Their primary concern was that this standing water could potentially seep into an old, covered well located within their house compound, risking structural damage or collapse.
"We removed the interlocking tiles, raised the street level properly, and re-laid the tiles all on the same day," the couple asserted. They emphasized that no permanent damage was inflicted and the street was left fully intact and functional after their swift repair work.
Panchayat's Complaint and Police FIR Details
However, the Garhshankar block development and panchayat officer (BDPO), Manjinder Kaur, forwarded a formal resolution from the Kiwanpur Gujjran panchayat to the police. This resolution clearly stated that the street excavation was conducted without prior information to or approval from the village governing body, a violation of local governance protocols.
Following an inspection by a junior engineer from the department, who reported observable damage to the street infrastructure, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR). The FIR cites offences under sections 79, 324(4), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections pertain to intentionally causing damage to public property and actions intended to insult the modesty of a woman, including the use of spoken words.
Allegations of Abusive Language and Heated Confrontation
The situation escalated when the current sarpanch, Jaswinder Kaur, and her husband, Kulraj, became involved. Kulraj reported that he first noticed the dug-up street and immediately informed his wife. "When she arrived at the site and objected to the unauthorized work, the couple reportedly used foul and abusive language," he claimed. This alleged verbal altercation is referenced in the police case regarding insulting modesty.
Kulraj further added that after the panchayat wrote a formal complaint to the department, the NRI couple hurriedly completed the street repairs in an attempt to rectify the situation.
Personal Toll and Legal Consequences for the NRI Couple
The legal proceedings have taken a severe personal and financial toll on Sohan Lal and Surinder Kaur. They were forced to cancel their return airline tickets to the United States and are now residing in the village under the shadow of the ongoing police case.
"I served as sarpanch for 25 years, and my wife served for five years after me. We know this village," lamented Sohan Lal. "We explained to panchayat officials that this was a minor repair to solve a real problem—no damage was done. Yet, we face an FIR and live in fear of police action. It is deeply distressing."
Police Stance and Procedural Adherence
Garhshankar Station House Officer (SHO) Gagandeep Singh clarified the police's position, stating that the case was registered because the complaint originated from a government office—the panchayat department. The police are duty-bound to act on such forwarded complaints to ensure proper legal and procedural scrutiny.
This incident highlights the complex interplay between individual initiative for property protection and the strict adherence to collective village governance and public property laws in rural Punjab. The case remains under investigation as authorities determine the full extent of the violations and the appropriate legal path forward.
