Dehradun: A major development has come from Uttarakhand’s Police Complaints Authority, which has indicted former SP Lokeshwar Singh for allegedly assaulting
RTI activist Laxmi Datt Joshi inside the Superintendent of Police’s office. The authority concluded that Singh misused his position and recommended strict action.
The case began when Joshi filed a complaint on February 8, 2023, alleging that two days earlier he was summoned to the SP’s office but instead brutally assaulted by Singh and six other police personnel.
Joshi feared for his safety and accused Singh of targeting him
Joshi submitted medical papers, including injury reports and X-rays, claiming multiple injuries. Joshi said he feared for his safety and accused Singh of targeting him with false cases for raising corruption and civic issues. Joshi, who runs a small garments business, maintained that he has never been convicted of any offence and works as a social activist.
Officer’s defence
Singh denied the allegations in affidavits submitted between April 2023 and February 2024. He claimed Joshi was only called for questioning in connection with vehicle arson incidents and was allowed to leave the same day. Singh described Joshi as “criminal-minded” and listed several cases registered against him under gambling, assault, abuse of public servants, the Police Act, the Goonda Act, and the SC/ST Act.
Singh also rejected Joshi’s complaints about sewage disposal near his residence, saying inspections showed no discharge from police quarters and accused Joshi of encroaching on government land.
Counter-affidavits
Joshi countered Singh’s claims, insisting that all cases against him were fabricated at Singh’s behest. He alleged that during the February 6 incident, he was taken to a room without CCTV cameras, stripped, beaten, forced to sign blank papers, and pushed out of the building from a rear exit.
Authority’s findings
The Police Complaints Authority reviewed medical reports dated February 7, 2023, which confirmed injuries consistent with Joshi’s timeline. It examined affidavits, counter-affidavits, municipal records, land inspection reports, and details of cases filed against Joshi.
Finding inconsistencies in Singh’s version, the authority concluded that Joshi’s account and medical evidence were credible. It ruled that Singh misused his position and that the allegations of assault were substantiated.
Recommendation
The authority has recommended legal and departmental action against former IPS officer Lokeshwar Singh. It also stressed the need to protect complainants like Joshi, who allege misconduct by senior officers, citing his concerns about threats to his life.
