Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
In a state known for its serene mountains and peaceful communities, the police in Uttarakhand are making headlines for a growing trend of encounters to maintain law and order. A significant shift in strategy is evident under the leadership of Abhinav Kumar, the new Director General of Police (DGP), a 1996 batch IPS officer. Since his appointment, police encounters have emerged as a primary tool to combat crime, while ensuring human rights remain intact. The tactic? Criminals are being shot in the legs, effectively incapacitating them without resorting to lethal force, sending a strong message to wrongdoers.
This week alone witnessed three major encounters, all of which involved police shooting suspects in the legs during exchanges of fire. These incidents have raised questions among the public: Is this approach an effective deterrent, or a dangerous norm?
Three Encounters in a Week
Friday morning, Haridwar (Sidcul):
Two criminals, identified as Ayush and Kapil, were shot and injured in a dramatic encounter in Haridwar’s Sidcul area. The police responded swiftly after a scuffle escalated at a local factory, with the suspects reportedly opening fire. Police retaliated, shooting both men in the legs. They were promptly admitted to the district hospital for treatment.
An official from the Sidcul police station remarked, “Our intent was not to kill but to neutralize the threat. We acted in self-defense and ensured that both suspects were incapacitated without fatalities.”
Thursday, Udham Singh Nagar (Kunda):
A day earlier, Sajid, alias Kala, a notorious criminal wanted in multiple cases of robbery and dacoity, was arrested after a brief encounter. Sajid, who had been on the run after escaping an earlier confrontation in Jaspur, was intercepted near Missarwala and Bentwala, thanks to a tip-off. Armed with a 315-bore pistol, Sajid attempted to flee but was shot in the leg during the exchange of fire.
“Sajid is a hardened criminal with 15 cases against him. We recovered a weapon and a motorcycle from the scene,” SSP Manikant Mishra said. Sajid was immediately taken to the hospital, while his accomplice Dilshad, who had been captured earlier in the week, was also undergoing treatment for a similar leg injury.
Tuesday, Udham Singh Nagar (Jaspur):
In the early hours of Tuesday, police had another encounter with criminals in Jaspur’s Cotton Mill area. Two bike-riding suspects, including Dilshad Mohammad, 30, opened fire on police during a vehicle check. In the chase that followed, Dilshad was shot in the leg while his accomplice managed to escape.
SP (city) Abhay Singh said, “Dilshad is involved in numerous serious crimes, including a robbery targeting a bullion trader just last week. Our focus was on ensuring that no lives were lost, but justice was served.”
A Strategic Shift in Policing
These recent events reflect a broader shift in Uttarakhand’s approach to law enforcement. DGP Abhinav Kumar, since assuming office, has made it clear that while the police force will not shy away from using force, they aim to minimize casualties. “Criminals need to be shown the consequences of their actions, but we are mindful of human rights. By targeting non-lethal areas like the legs, we ensure that they face justice without crossing the line,” a senior police officer explained.
This strategy was also evident earlier this year when Amarjeet Singh, the assassin of Baba Tarsem Singh of Nanakmatta Gurudwara, was shot dead in an encounter with Haridwar police. However, his case was an exception, as the police aim to preserve life whenever possible.
Public Sentiment: A Divided Response
The public’s reaction to this new norm is divided. On one hand, many appreciate the fact that Uttarakhand’s police are taking swift, decisive action to curb crime. A resident of Haridwar said, “For too long, criminals have walked free or received lenient punishment. These encounters send a strong message that crime will not be tolerated.”
On the other hand, there are concerns about the potential for abuse. Human rights activists warn that the rise in encounters could lead to excessive use of force. “The police must ensure that this tactic is only used when absolutely necessary, and proper oversight is maintained,” said a lawyer based in Dehradun.
The Road Ahead
As more encounters unfold under the leadership of DGP Abhinav Kumar, the people of Uttarakhand will continue to debate the merits of this approach. Is it a necessary evolution in policing, or a slippery slope toward excessive force? One thing is clear: the criminals in Uttarakhand now know that when faced with law enforcement, they won’t just be caught—they’ll be shot.
Ultimately, the balance between maintaining law and order while respecting human rights remains a tightrope that the police must walk carefully. For now, Uttarakhand’s encounters serve as a stark reminder to criminals that the rule of law is not just a concept—it’s an action.
