The Punjab government has taken significant administrative measures in response to allegations of custodial torture involving anti-drug activist Mohanjit Singh. A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and three police personnel associated with the case have been reassigned. These decisions were made public through an official announcement on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

DSP Harvinder Singh, previously serving in the Sunam Sub-Division, will now take on the role of DSP at the 1st Commando Battalion in Bahadurgarh, Patiala. This transfer is stated to be for administrative purposes.

Personnel Transferred Amidst Allegations

In addition to DSP Singh’s reassignment, three police officers have also been directed to report to the Police Line in Sangrur. The officers include Inspector Parteek Jindal, who had been serving as the Station House Officer (SHO) at the City Sunam Police Station; Sub-Inspector Baljit Singh, also an SHO, at Police Station Cheema; and Assistant Sub-Inspector Harpreet Singh, who was in charge of the Zonal Police in City Sunam.

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Sangrur has issued these transfer orders, indicating that the personnel involved will need to relocate immediately to their new posts. This move reflects the gravity of the situation concerning the allegations against them.

Amid ongoing public concern, advocate Vasu Ranjan, Chairman of the Council of Lawyers, has expressed the necessity for judicial intervention. He has formally requested the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the alleged torture case.

Details of Allegations Against the Police

Mohanjit Singh has reportedly detailed severe allegations concerning mistreatment while in police custody. According to legal representatives, he alleges he was subjected to physical abuse, which included being stripped, severely beaten, and enduring the application of electric shocks. The claims depict a harrowing experience of third-degree interrogation methods.

Reports suggest that he sustained cuts and lacerations on his thighs and legs, which were allegedly aggravated by having salt rubbed into the wounds. Claims of forced physical manipulation, including stretching of limbs and disrespect towards his turban and religious identity, further escalate the severity of the allegations.

Singh’s assertions extend to being compelled to ingest an intoxicating substance while in custody, followed by a dope test that claimed positive results—a test he contests vehemently regarding its validity and execution. Furthermore, there are indications of police personnel making a video call during the alleged assault, reportedly to share visuals of his deteriorating state with an outside individual.

In the petition addressed to the Chief Justice, Vasu Ranjan underscored the constitutional rights protecting peaceful dissent, specifically referencing Article 19(1)(a) and Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The lawyer’s call for action emphasises the legal framework that safeguards citizens’ rights to question governmental actions without fear of reprisal.

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