Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
Rudrapur: Sub-inspector (SI) Sandeep Pilkhwal, the in-charge of the Bazaar Police Post in Udham Singh Nagar district headquarters, Rudrapur, has come under intense scrutiny following a viral video that allegedly shows him assaulting a Sikh youth during a routine bike check on Wednesday night. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among local business, religious and social organizations, prompting staging a protest demanding disciplinary action from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manikant Mishra, who later on Thursday afternoon, ordered removal of Pilkhwal from his post and sent him packing to police lines. Notably, Pilkhwal has fallen into controversies earlier also while he was posted in Khatima and Bazpur towns of the district.
The two-minute video, which surfaced on social media, depicts Pilkhwal holding the collar of the young man while speaking on his mobile phone. Witnesses reported that the youth, after being restrained, questioned the inspector’s behavior, sayig, “You should not have scuffled with me.” As onlookers began to gather, Pilkhwal released the youth and resumed his mobile conversation. It is alleged that the SI held the youth from his sacred ‘Kada’ and also tried to hit him on his turban. Critics are questioning the appropriateness of the SI’s actions, noting his previous controversial conduct.
In response to the uproar, local organizations have rallied together. President of the city traders’ union, Sanjay Juneja said, “We cannot tolerate such behavior from an officer meant to protect citizens. Immediate action must be taken and we demand suspension of the SI who has a knack of creating controversies and falling into confrontation with locals.” Later, dozens of traders staged a protest and conducted a march demanding stringent actions against the SI. Also, a delegation of Gurudwara Singh Sabha met with SSP demanding action against the SI Pilkhwal.
This is not Pilkhwal’s first brush with controversy. In January 2023, he faced backlash after allegedly assaulting rural women at the 17 Mile Police Post in Khatima. Eyewitnesses claimed he had forcibly dragged an elderly man from his home, leading to protests by local women. “The police barged into our house, beat us, and forcefully took my father to the police post. We demand strict action against the inspector,” protested Shahna, one of the demonstrators had then said.
In August 2022, a journalist in Khatima accused Pilkhwal of wrongful detention and assault, while he was incharge of the Main Market police outpost. The victim claimed that SI Pilkhwal abused him when he intervened on behalf of his son during a minor dispute. The Kumaon Journalist Council President, Ashok Gulati, had then said, “This is a violation of press freedom. If no action is taken within three days, journalists from the entire region will rally together and demand justice.”
Additionally, in August 2019, Pilkhwal, then in charge of the Barahani Police Post in Bazpur, was filmed allegedly bullying women while attempting to arrest a suspect. The viral video showed him unbuttoning his uniform and accusing the women of tearing it, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Following the incident, while the women faced legal charges, an inquiry was ordered after the video surfaced. “The incident involving SI Pilkhwal is under investigation,” CO Bazpur had then said.
Meanwhile, public resentment is mounting, and calls for Pilkhwal’s suspension are growing louder. The Terai Kisan Sangathan and the Sikh Sabha have called a meeting in this regard on Friday. SSP Manikant Mishra subsequently issued a formal statement regarding the incident telling that the SI has been relieved and sent to police lines. Also, an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.
