Rebuttal to Media Reports on Alleged Illegal Detention and Manhandling of Retired Army Officials Jammu Police Clarifies Allegations Against SHO Bakshi Nagar

||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh January 30,2025 ||

Jammu: Jammu Police has strongly refuted recent media reports alleging third-degree torture and illegal detention of retired army officials Suresh Kumar and Chander Shekhar by SHO Bakshi Nagar. The police have termed these allegations as misleading and factually incorrect.

Sequence of Events: The Incident on Lohri Night

On the intervening night of 13 January 2025 (Lohri Festival), SHO Bakshi Nagar, while patrolling near Arya Samaj Mandir, Bakshi Nagar, encountered a group of three to four individuals engaged in a verbal altercation, using aggressive and abusive language. Their vehicle (JK 17 8314) was parked in the middle of the road, causing an obstruction in the bustling residential area of Bakshi Nagar Bazar.

When the SHO approached them, requesting them to clear the road and refrain from creating public disorder, Chander Shekhar and Suresh Kumar allegedly misbehaved with the police. Despite the SHO’s attempt to pacify the situation, the two men allegedly attacked the police party, leading to injuries to SPO Anil Sharma and SPO Jai Krishan.

Key Evidence and Legal Action:

• CCTV Footage: The altercation and attack on the police party were captured on a nearby CCTV camera, serving as critical evidence.

• Mobile Phone Recordings: The police also recorded parts of the incident on their mobile cameras, further substantiating their claims.

• Medical Reports: The injured police personnel were immediately shifted to GMC Jammu for treatment. The accused were also subjected to a mandatory medical examination at GMC Jammu before their arrest.

Following due legal process, an FIR (No. 03/2025, PS Bakshi Nagar) was registered under Sections 132, 285, and 307(3)(5) of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita). The accused were arrested at 01:00 hours on 14 January 2025, strictly adhering to the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s guidelines in the DK Basu case.

Correction of Clerical Error in Charges:

Initially, Section 160 BNS (Affray) was mistakenly added due to a clerical error, which was rectified at the first stage of investigation, replacing it with Section 194 BNS.

Rebuttal to Allegations of Torture and Illegal Detention:

Jammu Police has categorically denied any allegations of third-degree torture or physical abuse. It has been clarified that:

• The entire police station, including the lockup, is under CCTV surveillance, and no physical harm was inflicted on the accused.

• Their family members were allowed to meet them the following morning.

• Their medical examination at GMC Jammu was conducted independently, without any police influence.

• Judicial proceedings were duly followed, with the accused being produced before the Hon’ble Court within 24 hours, as per the law.

• The Hon’ble Court granted judicial custody from 14 January 2025 to 17 January 2025, and the accused were lodged in Amphalla Jail on 15 January 2025.

• Bail was granted to the accused on 15 January 2025.

About SHO Bakshi Nagar: A Decorated Police Officer

The officer in question, SHO Azad Ahmad Manhas, is a highly decorated police officer, having been awarded:

• Two President’s Medals for Gallantry

• Two Jammu & Kashmir Police Gallantry Medals

• DG Medal

• Recommended for Shaurya Chakra Gallantry Medal

He has served five years in counter-terrorism operations in the Kashmir Valley and five years in Jammu division and is widely known for his bravery and professional integrity.

Official Inquiry and Senior-Level Oversight:

After being apprised of the situation by senior members of the Jammu and Kashmir Ex-Servicemen League, senior police officials immediately sought an incident report and directed an explanation from SHO Bakshi Nagar. Furthermore, an independent inquiry has been initiated under the supervision of SP Rural to ensure transparency.

Conclusion: Upholding Law and Order Without Bias

Jammu Police remains committed to fair and transparent law enforcement, ensuring public order without any external influence or bias. The matter is currently under investigation, and the police reaffirm their commitment to upholding justice while maintaining law and order in Jammu.