‘Shock-ing conduct’ in police custody: Ludhiana’s Division 6 station house officer stripped of power.

Ludhiana: The city police chief of has removed a station head from his post following harrowing allegations of custodial torture, including claims that an eatery owner was subjected to electric shocks and physical assault over a liquor violation.Police commissioner Swapan Sharma ordered the immediate transfer of sub-inspector Vijay Kumar, the former station house officer (SHO) of Division Number 6, to the police lines. The move follows a formal complaint by local businessman Sarabjit Singh, who alleges he was brutalised by officers after refusing to allow patrons to drink at his establishment.Allegations of AbuseSarabjit Singh, who operates a fish and chicken shop in Nirankari Mohalla, claimed the incident began on the evening of April 3. He claims that SI Vijay Kumar initially visited the shop to check for illegal alcohol consumption but found no violations and left. Sarabjit Singh has alleged that shortly after the officer departed, four men arrived with a bottle of liquor, demanding to celebrate a birthday. Despite his refusals, he said the men had stayed. Minutes later, police returned, took Sarabjit Singh and the four men into custody, and registered a case.The complaint details a disturbing escalation at the police station. Sarabjit Singh alleged he was thrashed and dragged across the floor by his hair after his turban was removed. He claimed he was forced to undress and was subjected to electric shocks on his nose and private parts. Sarabjit Singh said his condition deteriorated so severely during the ordeal that he had to be moved to the civil hospital for emergency treatment.Administrative ActionFollowing the filing of the complaint on April 4, the Ludhiana police administration moved to sideline the accused officer while an internal investigation is conducted. Deputy commissioner of police (rural) Jaskiranjit Singh Teja confirmed that SI Vijay Kumar had been reassigned to the police lines — a standard procedure involving a removal from active duty during an inquiry. SI Amarjeet has been appointed as the new SHO of Division Number 6 with immediate effect.Ongoing InquiryWhile the transfer serves as an initial administrative response, a full inquiry is in progress to verify the allegations of custodial violence and the violation of human rights protocols. The case has drawn local attention to police conduct in the industrial hub, particularly regarding the treatment of small business owners during routine enforcement of liquor laws. No criminal charges have yet been announced against the transferred officer.