Gangtok:4th Sept: Sikkim Police has placed the factual position before the public, regarding an incident involving a Police Officer on Duty.
‘On the said date, a team of Special Branch personnel was deployed on official duty in connection with a political joining programme being held at Marchak, near Ranipool. As part of the assigned duty, the police personnel were required to ascertain the nature of the programme, the gathering at the venue and other relevant information from a law-and-order and security perspective.’
‘During the course of this duty, a Special Branch officer reported that, after entering the venue, he was identified as a police officer, obstructed in the discharge of his official duty, physically manhandled and intimidated by certain persons. He further alleged that he was surrounded by a group of persons, pulled by his collar, pushed and prevented from leaving the venue.
On receipt of the written complaint, Ranipool P.S. Case No. 26/2026 dated 03.09.2026 was immediately registered under Sections 131, 132, 121(1), 126(2), 351(2), 189(2) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and investigation was taken up .’
‘The aforesaid provisions relate, to assault/criminal force, voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from discharge of duty, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation and offences involving an unlawful assembly/common object. In particular, Sections 121(1) and 132 BNS specifically address acts committed against a public servant while discharging lawful official duties.’
‘Following registration of the case, the persons concerned were detained/brought in for questioning and examined in connection with the incident. Necessary medical examination and other legal formalities were carried out. Statutory notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 have also been served, requiring cooperation with the investigation and compliance with the directions of the Investigating Officer.’
‘The investigation is being pursued on priority. Statements are being recorded and relevant evidence is being collected, preserved and examined to establish the role and responsibility of all persons involved. Further legal action shall be taken strictly on the basis of evidence emerging during investigation.’
‘Sikkim Police takes a serious view of any act which obstructs, intimidates or uses force against a police officer in the lawful discharge of official duties. Police personnel deployed for lawful intelligence, security and law-and-order duties must be allowed to perform their responsibilities without obstruction or intimidation. Any interference with such lawful discharge of duty will be dealt with firmly in accordance with law.
At the same time, the investigation shall remain fair, impartial, evidence-based and strictly in accordance with law. As the matter is under active investigation, details concerning evidence, witnesses and the specific role attributed to individual persons are not being disclosed at this stage,’ according to communique from Sr. Superintendent of Police, Gangtok District,
Sikkim.
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