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Two women constables serving with the Himachal Pradesh Police orchestra, Harmony of the Pines, have lodged a complaint at the Women Police Station in Shimla alleging mental harassment by a senior police officer and defamation by a local resident, prompting Shimla Police to initiate a preliminary inquiry.
Lady Constables Deepika Thakur and Kritika alleged in their complaint that false and defamatory allegations regarding their recruitment into the police orchestra were made during a press conference in Shimla by local resident Gopi Jacks. The complainants stated that their recruitment as singers in the police orchestra during 2019-20 was carried out strictly in accordance with the prescribed procedure and denied allegations linking their appointments to suspended Inspector Vijay Kumar. According to the complaint, derogatory remarks were also made about Constable Deepika Thakur's appearance and identity during the press conference. The constables alleged that the statements were subsequently circulated on social media, causing them mental distress and damaging their professional reputation. The complaint also names Commandant Bhupinder Negi, alleging that he created a hostile work environment within the police orchestra following the suspension of Inspector Vijay Kumar. According to the complaint, orchestra members were allegedly instructed not to remain in contact with the suspended officer and were threatened with surveillance if they continued communicating with him. The constables further alleged that the commandant claimed that, owing to his previous tenure in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), he could monitor mobile phone locations, intercept WhatsApp calls and track private communications under the directions of senior police officers. They alleged that such statements amounted to intimidation, violated their right to privacy and subjected them to continued mental harassment. Seeking legal action, the complainants requested registration of a First Information Report (FIR) under Sections 79, 336(4), 61(2) and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against Gopi Jacks, Bhupinder Negi and any other persons found involved. Shimla Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed that a preliminary inquiry has been initiated into the complaint. Police officials said the complaint is being examined under Section 173(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to verify the allegations, following which appropriate action will be taken. The allegations contained in the complaint have not been independently verified. When contacted, Commandant Bhupinder Negi said he was unaware of the complaint and had no knowledge of any such allegations against him. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur termed the allegations "serious" and urged the state government to take immediate cognisance of the matter. "If women police personnel are being mentally harassed and threatened that their phones are under surveillance and they should not communicate with certain officers, the Chief Minister must immediately take cognisance of the matter," Thakur told reporters in Shimla. The preliminary inquiry by Shimla Police is underway, and no FIR has been registered in the case so far. (ANI)
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