The operational style of the Uttar Pradesh Police frequently faces scrutiny, but a recent incident in Etah district has raised severe concerns regarding the integrity of the force. The fear and intimidation caused by police actions reached such a critical level that a local merchant felt compelled to lock up his running business. Beyond simply closing the shop, the owner took the bold step of posting a sign on his shutter, exposing the alleged police excesses, which sent shockwaves through the local administrative and law enforcement departments.
Extorting thousands for a small purchase
This sensational incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Jaithra police station in Etah. Bhup Singh, the proprietor of a local government-authorized country liquor shop, has leveled grave allegations against the local police. According to Singh, for the past four to five days, specific police personnel from the Jaithra station have been conducting an informal, aggressive patrol around his establishment. Every time a poor laborer or a common citizen arrives to purchase a quarter-bottle of country liquor, they are immediately intercepted by the officers. Singh claims that police are not even sparing the poor individuals spending only 80 rupees on alcohol. He alleged that officers detain the customers, intimidate them, and release them only after extracting between 1,000 and 2,000 rupees. The businessman stated that the constant police terror meant laborers stopped coming to his shop, leaving him with no choice but to cease operations as a form of protest.
Administrative reaction and investigation
The situation escalated after the store owner displayed his protest poster and videos of the scene went viral online, causing an immediate stir among district officials. Excise Officer Kuldeep Singh Chauhan took swift action once the matter reached his desk. He stated that the incident was immediately reported to higher police authorities, and the shopkeeper was instructed to reopen the establishment, which was back in operation within just 10 minutes of the intervention. The event highlights a significant gap in oversight between the police and local excise departments.
Official police response and inquiry
Rajesh Kumar, the Circle Officer of Aliganj, provided the police perspective on the matter. He explained that the department was running an 'Operation Car Bar' aimed at cracking down on individuals consuming alcohol in public spaces, rather than targeting legitimate customers at the shop. Kumar claimed that the police were only detaining those found consuming liquor in public. However, he acknowledged the gravity of the allegations, explicitly stating that if any police personnel were found to have bypassed regulations by targeting customers directly at the shop or engaging in extortion, a thorough investigation would be conducted, and strict departmental action would be taken against those found guilty.
