Himachal Pradesh: Head constable goes missing after alleging pressure by seniors, DIG-level officer to investigate

Shimla: With mounting pressure from the family members, Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) has appointed a DIG-rank officer from the state CID to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Head Constable Jasveer Saini.

Saini posted at Kala Amb police station in Sirmaur district has been missing since June 11 after he posted a video on social media alleging that his superiors were pressuring him regarding a case.

The seriousness of the allegations and the subsequent disappearance of Saini have sparked protests and demands for a thorough investigation.

On Thursday, Saini's family members, supported by local villagers, staged a demonstration outside the Deputy commissioner’s office in Nahan, demanding for a high-level probe into the matter.

The DGP appointed a DGP-level officer after the relatives and the villagers protested and at the request of his wife Anita Kumari .

In the video, Saini expressed his distress over the pressure he was facing from a senior officer. His disappearance shortly after making the allegations public has led to widespread speculation and concern about the internal workings of the police force.

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Head constable Jasveer Saini has gone missing after his video clip went viral. #himachalpradesh @himachalpolice ordered high level probe to trace him. He blamed #SP #Sirmaur to pressurize him to add 307 of IPC in roadrage case reported in Kala Amb@iepunjab @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/LngsrpcGhS

— saurabh prashar (@saurabhprashar2) June 13, 2024 >

The Video was shot on June 9 and uploaded on some social media platforms on June 10.

The state police have emphasized that serious efforts are being made to trace Saini. The DGP's office released a statement assuring that a DIG-rank officer has been assigned to inquire, indicating the gravity with which the police department is treating this case.

The incident has drawn significant political attention as well. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said it is alarming for a police officer to go missing under such circumstances. He criticized the police for not addressing Saini's concerns earlier, forcing him to resort to social media.

BJP president Rajiv Bindal and state media spokesman blamed the government for the declining law and order situation in the state. This case has once again put the spotlight on the alleged pressures within the police hierarchy and the need for transparent and accountable policing, he said.

A press release issued by SP Sirmour denied the allegations of hampering the investigation of the senior police officer.