MSHRC orders inquiry into Pune Police ‘singhamgiri’, seeks replies from top officials

The Story in Brief

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has criticised Pune Police after taking suo motu cognisance of a viral video that allegedly showed officers punishing traffic violators during an anti-noise and anti-pollution drive. A Full Bench of the commission – Chairperson Justice A.M. Badar, Member Justice Swapna Joshi and Member Sanjay Kumar – said the footage suggested a “Singhamgiri” culture and disregard for rule of law. The video, the commission noted, showed police forcing alleged offenders to perform sit-ups while holding their ears, crushing modified motorcycle silencers with a road roller and sealing shops selling such silencers. The bench said these methods raised legal and human-rights concerns and that officers have no authority to punish accused persons before investigation or trial. It observed that actions attributed to Police Inspector Girisha Nimbalkar may have exceeded police powers. The MSHRC has issued notices to senior state and Pune police officials and directed its Investigation Wing, supervised by Inspector General Datta Karale, to submit a preliminary report within one week; the matter is listed for hearing on 20 August 2026.

The Indian Opinion

The term “Singhamgiri” used by the commission and reported reactions is a strong, sensational label that frames the police conduct as lawless before inquiries and any court process conclude. Viral video footage can show serious incidents but may lack context, including how events unfolded or evidence the police rely on. The MSHRC’s decision to seek affidavits, issue notices to senior officials and order a preliminary fact-finding inquiry is a procedural step aimed at establishing facts. Readers should note allegations against named officers remain unproven until the commission’s inquiry and any subsequent legal proceedings are completed.

Original article: MSHRC Orders Inquiry Into Pune Police’s ‘Singhamgiri’ Conduct, Seeks Replies From Top Officials (www.freepressjournal.in)

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