Sikkim cop alleges manhandling at opposition party event, files FIR

Gangtok, Sep 4 (AHN) A political gathering in Sikkim's Marchak area has triggered a police case after an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) on Friday alleged that he was obstructed and manhandled while on duty at a Citizen Action Party (CAP) membership programme.

The incident reportedly took place at Ranipool.

According to the Gangtok district police, ASI Lakpa Tshering Bhutia of the Special Branch had been deployed at the venue to assess the gathering from the security and law-and-order situation.

In a statement, the Gangtok Senior Superintendent of Police said the ASI alleged that he was surrounded by people after his identity as a police official became known.

The ASI claimed that he was pulled by his collar, pushed and prevented from leaving the venue.

He also alleged that attempts were made to pressure him into joining the political party while he was carrying out his official responsibilities.

On the basis of his written complaint, Ranipool Police Station registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The charges include provisions relating to assault or criminal force against a public servant, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation and unlawful assembly.

Police said the individuals concerned were detained for questioning and medically examined.

Statutory notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were also served, while investigators are recording statements and collecting evidence to establish the role of each person allegedly involved.

Meanwhile, the opposition party in the state, CAP, however, has rejected the allegation that the police officer was forcibly enrolled as a member.

CAP spokesperson Albert Gurung claimed that the police officer had initially provided a false name before joining the programme voluntarily.

He said there was nothing coercive about the process and asked why the officer did not immediately raise an objection if he had been forced to participate.

Gurung also added that media personnel were present at the programme when the alleged incident took place.

Police said the investigation was being conducted on priority and that further action would depend on the evidence collected during the probe.

The Sikkim Police said it takes seriously any allegation involving obstruction, intimidation or force against personnel performing lawful duties.

It also added that the investigation would be conducted in a fair, impartial and evidence-based manner, without disclosing details of the evidence gathered so far.