Constable ‘resigns’ on CJP stage; Uttarakhand Police says he was already under suspension

A police constable from Uttarakhand handed over his badge to Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke at the stage set up for the protest in Jantar Mantar on Friday, claiming he had resigned from the force. However, the Uttarakhand police claimed he had been placed under suspension on July 20.

Sher Singh, 36, who came dressed in uniform, said he had been following the movement ever since the CJP gave a call for protests against the paper leaks and that his decision was in support of the cause. “I saw the use of brute force on the youth. I don’t want to be part of the system. I will take part in the protest and protect against any such use of force by being on the frontline,” he said.

“This is Bhagat Singh’s country. Revolution comes from ideas, and ideas never die,” he added. A video of his speech later went viral on social media.

Mr. Singh said the decision was a well-thought-out one after serving for 17 years. “My father was very disappointed, but I told him to consider that he has sacrificed one of his four sons for the country.” He claimed he had not joined the protest earlier as he could not secure leave.

Referring to paper leaks, he alleged that the question paper for a patwari post had been available at grocery stores in Uttarakhand since 2021.

‘He is under suspension since June 28’

Meanwhile, Inspector General Nivedita Kukreti said Mr. Singh, posted in Pithoragarh, had been suspended after remaining absent from duty since June 28. “The Superintendent of Police, Pithoragarh, had issued a notice seeking an explanation,” she said.

Ms. Kukreti said an FIR was lodged against him in Haridwar last year in an alleged land encroachment case, in which he was arrested and later granted bail. However, Mr. Singh claimed he anticipated action would be taken against him for joining the protest and had submitted his resignation 15 days ago. He said he received no response and that he was on extended medical leave.

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand police said legal and departmental action has been intensified against Mr. Singh for allegedly making provocative and irresponsible statements during the protest.