Olympian Jai Bhagwan booked for assaulting woman official

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, June 13

The police have booked Olympian pugilist and Haryana Police Inspector Jai Bhagwan for rioting and assaulting a public servant on duty at liquor vend in Laxmi Vihar here on May 19.

In her complaint, Excise and Taxation Inspector Neelam Vats alleged that Jai Bhagwan slapped and manhandled her when she went to the liquor vend.

Jai Bhagwan, who is posted as CIA in charge in Tohana town of Fatehabad district, had led a protest against the liquor vend in the locality. Jai Bhagwan, a resident of the locality, called the Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner (DETC), Hisar, and asked him to send the official concerned at the spot.

The DETC deputed Neelam and she reached the spot about 9 pm. After inspecting the liquor vend site, she clarified that the liquor vend had been set up as per the excise policy of the state government and thus was not illegal.

Jai Bhagwan, however, demanded documents which led to a row. Neelam alleged that Jai Bhagwan slapped and manhandled her during the row and also held her hostage for about an hour.

She lodged a complaint with the district administration and also reported the matter to the higher authorities of his department. After nearly three weeks, no action was taken on her complaint as efforts were made to settle the issue by striking a compromise. However, Neelam refused to withdraw the complaint. Last week, the Additional Chief Secretary, Excise and Taxation Department, wrote to Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Meena to take action in this regard.

The police have now registered a case under Sections 147, 149 (rioting), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his/her duty), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) and 342 (wrongful confinement) against Jai Bhagwan, Manjeet, Rajesh Gotia and nearly 15 other persons.

However, Jai Bhagwan’s mother Birmati (62) lodged a counter-FIR against Neelam and her husband Naryana Datt Vats.

Birmati alleged that Neelam and her husband, who was drunk at that time, used foul language against her. She alleged that Naryana also misbehaved with the public and threatened her with dire consequences.

Police spokesperson Chanderbhan said that a case under Sections 166, 109 (public servant disobeying law), 294 (obscene act), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 of IPC had been registered against Neelam and her husband.