Choudhary’s office denies claim
Jammu: Former minister and Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) leader Harshdev Singh has filed a criminal complaint against Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, accusing him of assault and using abusive language.
The incident allegedly took place at the Deputy CM’s office when Singh visited to submit a memorandum regarding public grievances.
According to Singh’s complaint, he had gone to meet Choudhary to highlight pressing public issues, including the poor condition of roads.
He claimed that when he reached the Deputy CM’s office at around 1:30 PM, Choudhary was engaged in a discussion with stone mining business owners. Singh stated that he requested the Deputy CM to hear his concerns, as the ongoing meeting seemed lengthy. However, instead of addressing his grievances, Singh alleged that Choudhary reacted aggressively, recalling a previous protest held by Singh outside his office four months ago.
Singh further claimed that Choudhary became furious and started using abusive language.
“He shouted at me, asking why I had protested outside his office earlier. When I told him that peaceful demonstrations are our right, he lost his temper. He called his security staff, who physically assaulted me, tore my shirt, and issued threats on his direction,” Singh alleged in his complaint.
Following the incident, Singh, accompanied by his supporters, gathered outside the Pacca Danga Police Station, raising slogans against the Deputy Chief Minister and demanding immediate legal action. The protesters urged the police to register an FIR against Choudhary and take strict action.
A senior police officer, speaking on the matter, confirmed that a complaint had been received and that an investigation had been initiated.
“We have received the complaint from Harshdev Singh, and the matter is under investigation. Further action will be taken based on the findings,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, officials from Choudhary’s office have denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and baseless. They claimed that no such incident took place and that Singh was attempting to gain political mileage by making false accusations.
