Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau
Rudrapur, Uttarakhand – Since the appointment of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manikant Mishra, Udham Singh Nagar district has witnessed a significant increase in police encounters, with at least 12 incidents reported in recent months. While these operations have led to the apprehension of several notorious criminals, concerns are mounting over potential human rights violations and the circumvention of due legal processes.
In a recent encounter, Jaswinder Singh, alias Chhinder, a wanted criminal, was injured during an exchange of fire with the police in the Kelakhera area. He had previously fired upon forest officials in the Peepal Padav Range of Gadarpur. An illegal pistol and live cartridges were recovered from him. SSP Mishra commented, “Criminals should mend their ways or be ready to face the consequences.”
Similarly, in another operation, a drug smuggler named Sukhwinder Singh, also known as Bittu, was intercepted based on a tip-off while riding a motorcycle. Upon being challenged, he abandoned his vehicle and began firing at the police. The officers responded in self-defense, injuring him. A large quantity of drugs and a firearm were seized from his possession.
While these actions have been lauded by some as necessary measures to curb crime, human rights activists express deep concern over the increasing frequency of such encounters. They argue that even individuals with criminal histories are entitled to due process under the law.
Anjali Verma, a prominent human rights advocate, stated, “The rise in encounters is alarming. Every individual, regardless of their past, deserves a fair trial. The police must operate within the boundaries of the law.”
Another activist, Rajesh Kumar, added, “While maintaining law and order is crucial, it should not come at the cost of fundamental rights. The police should focus on strengthening investigative processes rather than resorting to extrajudicial measures.”
This situation draws parallels to the controversial “bulldozer policy” in neighboring Uttar Pradesh, where authorities have demolished properties of individuals accused of crimes without following due legal procedures. The Supreme Court of India has criticized such actions, stating, “Bulldozer justice is simply unacceptable under the rule of law.” The court emphasized that citizens’ voices cannot be throttled by a threat of destroying their properties and that such actions amount to “lawlessness.”
The comparison underscores a broader concern about the balance between enforcing law and order and upholding constitutional rights. While the intent to combat crime is commendable, it is imperative that law enforcement agencies adhere strictly to legal protocols to prevent potential misuse of power and to maintain public trust.
As Udham Singh Nagar continues its crackdown on crime, the district stands at a crossroads, striving to ensure that the pursuit of justice does not overshadow the principles of democracy and human rights.
