A DISPUTE involving advocate Rakesh Rawal and police personnel at Jahangirabad police station on Tuesday night led to protests by lawyers on Wednesday and disrupted traffic around the District Court. Following the incident, Zone-1 DCP Akhil Patel suspended station in-charge Rajan Singh Ahirwar, constable Yash Lakhera and constable Ram Swaroop. A preliminary inquiry has also been ordered. Around 50 lawyers remained at the Jahangirabad police station until nearly 3 am following the incident. On Wednesday morning, lawyers gathered outside the District Court and staged a protest, with traffic movement affected on several roads in the Arera Hills area. Lawyers seek FIR against police: The protesting lawyers demanded registration of an FIR against the police personnel involved in the incident. They said suspension of the personnel was not sufficient and sought criminal action based on the allegations of assault and other offences. Traffic restrictions affect commuters: In view of the protest, traffic police closed the route from Shaurya Smarak Square towards Jail Road. Barricades were also placed on routes connecting Lal Parade and the police control room. The restrictions affected traffic movement towards Jail Road, MP Nagar and Jahangirabad. Lawyers gathered at the District Court intersection also burnt an effigy of the Police Commissioner around 5 pm as part of the protest. Three policemen placed under suspension:Following the incident, the three police personnel were attached to the Reserve Centre for the duration of their suspension. The DCP directed that the preliminary inquiry be completed within seven days and a report submitted. Inspector Hari Kishan Lohia has been assigned charge of the Jahangirabad police station following the suspension of the station in-charge.

 

Allegations surface during protest: Videos circulated on social media purportedly show arguments and physical altercations involving some protesters and commuters. There were also allegations of misbehaviour with a media person covering the protest. The circumstances surrounding these incidents are being examined. Commuters face traffic disruptions: The protest and traffic restrictions resulted in congestion on several roads around the court complex. Commuters going towards Jail Road, MP Nagar and Jahangirabad were required to use alternate routes during the restrictions. Advocate gives account of incident: According to advocate Rakesh Rawal, the incident began around 8.30 pm when he was returning to Bairagarh after completing court work. He said a road near Control Room Tiraha had been closed and he asked police personnel about an alternative route. Rawal alleged that an argument followed and that police personnel subsequently took him to Jahangirabad police station, where he was allegedly assaulted with sticks and pushed into mud. A video that surfaced later appeared to show marks on his legs and mud on his clothes. Police give different account: The police have presented a different account of the incident. Before his suspension, station incharge Rajan Singh Ahirwar alleged that Rawal had misbehaved with Traffic ACP Ajay Vajpayee during the dispute and used abusive language in public. He said video footage of the incident was available. Inquiry to establish sequence: Police said allegations made by both sides and the events at the police station are being investigated. A team has been constituted to examine the complete sequence of events and relevant evidence. Additional Commissioner of Police Shailendra Singh said further action would be taken after the inquiry report is submitted.