The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought responses from the city police and Delhi Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma on a petition seeking an independent investigation into the alleged slapping of an Aam Aadmi Party worker during a road inspection in Tilak Nagar on September 27.
Justice Sachin Datta issued notice on the petition and directed the police to file a status report. The court also asked Mr. Verma to submit his response. The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 17.
The petition was filed by Sahib Singh through advocate Onkar Roy. It seeks an independent probe into the alleged assault, threats and police inaction, along with protection for Mr. Singh and his family. During the hearing, counsel appearing for the police raised an objection to the maintainability of the petition.
According to the plea, Mr. Singh had submitted a written complaint to the Station House Officer of Vikas Puri police station immediately after the incident, seeking legal action. The petition states that he later began receiving repeated abusive, threatening and intimidating calls and messages after his private mobile number was circulated.
Mr. Singh alleged that he was recording the proceedings on his mobile phone when Mr. Verma became agitated over questions about the quality of road construction. He claimed that he was slapped, abused and threatened, and that his mobile phone, which contained video recordings, was forcibly taken and damaged.
The petitioner further alleged that the incident was recorded and streamed on social media platforms. He also claimed that a member of Mr. Verma’s security team pushed him and helped the Minister leave the location, while police personnel present at the site did not intervene.
The plea has sought the preservation of CCTV footage and electronic evidence connected with the incident. It also asks the court to examine the conduct of police personnel and the independence of any investigation by the local police. The petition states that the alleged continuing threats to Mr. Singh and his family prompted him to approach the High Court for protection of their life and liberty.
The court’s directions require the police to place a status report before it and Mr. Verma to respond to the allegations. The next hearing is scheduled for November 17.
