Lahan ‘seizure’ from Shahkot man: Viral video sparks speculation of planted evidence; probe on
In the video, several cops are seen carrying a drum inside the accused’s house, minutes before the ‘seizure’
The Jalandhar Rural police have landed in a controversy, following allegations that an Excise Act case filed against a Shahkot man was registered on the basis of evidence allegedly planted by the local police.
Jalandhar SSP Harvinder Singh Virk ordered an inquiry into the case to determine whether the FIR registered against Akram, a resident of Daulatapur Dhadda, on April 9 was filed on valid grounds.
The row was sparked by a viral CCTV footage from April 9, in which several men, allegedly policemen, were seen carrying a drum inside the accused's house and minutes later, seizing the same drum from the house.
An FIR was registered against Akram on the same day, under the relevant sections of the Excise Act for the seizure of 35 litres of lahan (country-made liquor) by police, from his home.
After the videos went viral, a probe was ordered in the matter. Shahkot police station inspector SHO Balwinder Singh, ASI Sukhwinder Singh and constable Havenpreet Kaur have been transferred to the police headquarters.
Speaking on the issue while sharing a news report on X, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia said when the evidence is planted and truth is caught on camera, it is not policing, it is institutional abuse of power.
Preliminary inquiry indicated that a container was arranged for the seizure. SP Vaneet Ahlawat, IPS, was assigned to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report.
The accused in the said FIR had also been involved in other criminal activities with three cases already registered against him.
