Avinash Azad
The Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) has strongly rebutted recent media reports alleging the illegal detention and third-degree torture of retired army officials Suresh Kumar and Chander Shekhar by Station House Officer (SHO) Bakshi Nagar.
A JKP spokesperson termed the reports “misleading and factually incorrect” while providing a detailed account of the incident that transpired on the night of January 13, 2025 (Lohri Festival).
According to the official statement, while SHO Bakshi Nagar was on routine patrolling duty, he observed a group of three to four individuals engaged in a heated altercation near Arya Samaj Mandir, Bakshi Nagar. Their vehicle (JK 17 8314) was allegedly parked in the middle of the road, obstructing traffic and disturbing public peace.
When SHO Azad Ahmad Manhas intervened and requested them to disperse and remove their vehicle, the accused, identified as Chander Shekhar and Suresh Kumar, reportedly misbehaved with the officer.
“Despite the SHO’s patient approach to pacify the situation, the said individuals turned aggressive and attacked the police party, injuring Special Police Officers (SPO) Anil Sharma and Jai Krishan,” the spokesperson said.
The entire incident, the police claim, was captured on a nearby CCTV camera, and video evidence from mobile phones further corroborates the allegations against the accused. The injured SPOs were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu for treatment, while the accused were arrested following medical examination at 0100 hours on January 14, 2025.
The police registered an FIR 03/2025 under Sections 132, 285, and 307(3)(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), in compliance with the Supreme Court’s D K Basu guidelines on arrests. A clerical error led to the inclusion of Section 160 BNS, which was later corrected to Section 194 BNS in the investigation’s early stage.
Rebutting allegations of illegal detention and custodial torture, the JKP emphasized that the entire police station, including the lockup, is under CCTV surveillance, and no third-degree measures were used. “Their family members visited the police station the next morning and were allowed to meet them. A medical examination was independently conducted at GMC Jammu, and the accused were produced before the Hon’ble Court within 24 hours,” the spokesperson stated.
On January 14, 2025, the court granted judicial custody until January 17, 2025, following which the accused were lodged at Amphalla Jail. However, on January 15, 2025, they were granted bail by the Hon’ble Court.
Defending the integrity of SHO Azad Ahmad Manhas, the JKP underscored his decorated service record, highlighting his two President’s Medals for Gallantry, two Jammu and Kashmir Police Gallantry Medals, and a DG Disc. He has also been recommended for the Shaurya Chakra Gallantry Medal for his valor in anti-terrorist operations, having served for five years each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
In light of concerns raised by the Jammu and Kashmir Ex-Servicemen League and other respected members, senior police officials promptly sought an incident report and an explanation from SHO Bakshi Nagar. Additionally, an inquiry has been initiated under the supervision of SP Rural to ensure transparency in the investigation. “Jammu Police remains committed to upholding the rule of law, maintaining public order, and ensuring unbiased investigations without any external influence,” the spokesperson affirmed. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
