Sikkim Police Officer Alleges Misconduct During Opposition Party Event

Gangtok, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : A police case has been registered following allegations of misconduct involving a police officer during a political event in Sikkim’s Martam area. On Friday, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) reported being obstructed and mistreated while on duty at a membership drive for the Citizen Action Party (CAP) in Ranipool.

According to the Gangtok district police, ASI Lakpa Shering Bhutia was assigned to assess the security and law-and-order situation at the event. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Gangtok stated that the ASI claimed he was surrounded by attendees once they recognized him as a police officer. He alleged that individuals pulled at his collar, pushed him, and prevented him from leaving the venue.

Furthermore, Bhutia asserted that while fulfilling his official duties, he was pressured to join the political party. Based on his written complaint, the Ranipool police station registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The allegations include assault or use of criminal force against a public servant, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, and unlawful assembly. Police have detained several individuals for questioning and conducted medical examinations.

Legal notices have also been issued under Section 35(3) of the Indian Citizenship Security Code as investigators gather evidence and take statements to determine the involvement of all parties.

In response, the opposition CAP has dismissed the claim that the police officer was coerced into joining the party. CAP spokesperson Albert Gurung contended that the officer provided a false name voluntarily before participating in the event. He questioned why the officer did not raise an objection if he felt compelled to join and noted that media personnel were present during the alleged incident.

The police have emphasized that they are prioritizing the investigation, and any further action will depend on the evidence collected. Sikkim police stated they take any allegations related to interference, intimidation, or use of force against officers on duty very seriously. They assured that the investigation would be conducted fairly and without bias, and details about the evidence gathered thus far will remain confidential.