Uttarakhand Officer Claims Resignation at Protest as Police Cite Active Suspension

Badge Handover at Jantar Mantar

During a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Friday, Sher Singh, a 36-year-old constable from the Uttarakhand police force, stepped onto the stage in full uniform. In a public display of dissent, Singh handed his badge to CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke, announcing his departure from the force to join the movement against civil service paper leaks. Singh, a veteran with 17 years of service, stated he could no longer participate in a system that uses force against youth protesters.

Conflicting Accounts of Employment Status

The circumstances of Singh’s departure remain a point of contention between the officer and his superiors. Uttarakhand Inspector General Nivedita Kukreti clarified that Singh, previously stationed in Pithoragarh, had been under suspension since July 20 due to his absence from duty starting June 28. According to Kukreti, the Superintendent of Police in Pithoragarh had already issued a formal notice requiring Singh to explain his conduct.

Singh disputes this timeline, claiming he submitted his resignation 15 days prior and was currently on extended medical leave. He asserted that he had anticipated disciplinary retaliation for his activism. He further justified his move by citing systemic corruption, alleging that 2021 patwari recruitment exam papers were sold openly in Uttarakhand grocery stores.

Prior Legal History and Departmental Backlash

The police department's scrutiny of Singh extends beyond his recent protest activity. IG Kukreti noted that Singh faces a standing FIR in Haridwar from the previous year related to an alleged land encroachment case, which resulted in his arrest and subsequent bail. Following his speech at the CJP rally, which has since gained significant traction online, the Uttarakhand police have signaled an intensification of legal and departmental proceedings. Authorities cite the following reasons for the escalation:

• Allegations of making provocative and inflammatory public statements.
• Irresponsible conduct while theoretically still an active member of the force.
• Long-term absence without approved leave leading up to the protest event.

A Choice of Conscience

Despite the official pushback, Singh framed his actions as a patriotic sacrifice. He shared that although his father expressed disappointment, he viewed his transition to the frontline of the protest as a duty to the nation. Quoting revolutionary Bhagat Singh, the constable maintained that while he may face legal consequences, the ideas driving the protest would persist.

Source: The Hindu — News