Shimla, July 31
In a surprising and unprecedented confrontation, the police forces of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana locked horns over an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to topple the Himachal Pradesh government. This unusual clash occurred when a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Shimla, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Maninder Singh, attempted to search the premises of a private airline company in Panchkula, Haryana. The investigation was based on a search warrant issued by a court in Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi expressed that the Haryana Police did not cooperate with the Himachal team. He emphasized that despite the warrant, the team was forced to return empty-handed, unable to seize crucial records from the airline company. Gandhi further mentioned that the SIT would seek further legal remedies to ensure compliance with the warrant. The confrontation escalated as the Haryana Police allegedly threatened to file an FIR against the Himachal team instead of assisting them.
This conflict is notable for highlighting the tension between two state police forces within the country, usually known for their peaceful cooperation. The issue reportedly stems from political affiliations, with Congress ruling in Himachal Pradesh and BJP in Haryana. The lack of cooperation appears to be influenced by these political differences.
The dispute traces back to an FIR lodged by Congress MLAs Sanjay Awasthi and Bhuvaneshwar Gaur at Baluganj police station in Shimla on March 10. The FIR includes serious allegations of a conspiracy involving crores of rupees, luxurious accommodations for rebel MLAs, and helicopter rides provided by the airline company under investigation. The Shimla Police’s visit to Gurugram was aimed at interrogating the company’s management regarding these allegations.
However, the airline company was forewarned about the raid, prompting them to call the local police in Gurugram. Consequently, the Gurugram Police not only blocked the Shimla team’s investigation but also subjected them to a 10-hour interrogation, causing significant embarrassment and delaying the progress of the case.
This incident marks the first time such a direct conflict between the police forces of two Indian states has come to light, raising questions about the impact of political dynamics on law enforcement and the execution of judicial orders.
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