Framing of Kapurthala man by cops: CCTV footage from victim’s workshop did STF staffers in

Aparna Banerji

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Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, August 5

The footage of CCTV cameras installed at the workshop of a Kapurthala man allegedly framed in an NDPS case played a key role in the initiation of action against the “erring” cops. Four personnel of the Special Task Force (STF) were arrested last week by the Kapurthala police on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Related news: 4 Punjab cops held for framing Kapurthala resident in drug case

In an affidavit dated May 30, 2022, submitted to the high court, former Kapurthala SSP Rajbachan Singh Sandhu had stated several policemen in civvies entered the car station of Kuldeep Singh on September 23, 2019. This information became the basis of the court’s directions for filing an FIR against the STF cops and the setting up of an SIT.

Sandhu’s affidavit detailed CCTV records of September 23, 2019, from three cameras installed at Kuldeep’s workshop, showing the main gate and office. The FIR was registered against ASIs Sylwaster Masih and Kuldip Singh and constables Major Singh, Gurwinder Singh and Sham Masih on December 21, 2023, at the Kapurthala city police station under Sections 58, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act. Except Kuldip, all were arrested recently. As per the FIR lodged against the victim on September 23, 2019, he was arrested from near Kusht Ashram, Kapurthala. It had no mention of the cops’ visit to his car station.

The SSP’s affidavit stated, “From the facts, reports and material evidences available on record, especially with regard to the CCTV footage, STF police personnel ASI Sylwaster Masih, ASI Kuldip Singh, HC Major Singh, CT Sham Masih CT Gurwinder Singh and CT Harjant Singh are seen in civil dress entering the car wash/parking centre of the petitioner at Mohalla Malkana, PS City Kapurthala.”

The high court, in its 6 October, 2023, ruling said, “The information given by the SSP, to say the least, is compelling enough to raise concerns. The individuals responsible for upholding the law and safeguarding citizens’ rights have themselves transformed into aggressors and transgressors through blatant misuse of powers.” It directed, “The SIT shall investigate as to why police officials went to the petitioner’s workshop in the morning and why this visit was not disclosed in the subsequent FIR registered in the evening the same day.”

Kapurthala SSP Vatsala Gupta said, “The matter is currently under investigation. A preliminary FIR has been filed against the STF personnel following petitioner’s allegations and court’s directions. The probe will be completed in 15-20 days. The trial against the petitioner has been stayed.”