PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
The Congress undertook a gherao of the office of the Dehradun senior superintendent of police over the cases registered against Congress leader Surat Singh Negi at Raipur police station, on Thursday. The situation temporarily heated up when the protesters tried to enter the SSP office premises – leading to a scuffle with police personnel, which was brought under control. The Congress march started from Kanak Chowk and proceeded towards the SSP office.
Former cabinet minister and senior party leader Harak Singh Rawat targeted the police, alleging that action was being taken under political pressure. “Negi raised his voice against illegal mining allegedly being carried out by the local MLA of Maldevta. Due to political influence, the in-charge of Maldevta police chowki registered an FIR against him,” Rawat said.
He alleged that whenever anyone raises their voice on social issues, the police register cases against them under political pressure.
When Rawat was address the media, Negi’s daughter Akansha Negi reportedly fainted due to fever and dehydration. Police took her to the Government Doon Medical College Hospital for treatment.
The Dehradun SSP Pramendra Dobal said the Congress leaders had raised concerns over a complaint filed at Raipur police station. They demanded a transparent investigation into the case. Dobal said he will ensure that the investigation was conducted fairly and transparently. He added that the Congress leaders had also raised concerns about old cases related to Negi. He has directed the superintendent of police (Rural) Jaya Baluni to take swift action and ensure transparency in those cases.
