Sunil Chadha
Dharamshala: As FIRs continue to dominate political discussions in Himachal Pradesh today—with mediapersons, politicians, and social activists often finding themselves booked—it is worth recalling a rather unusual case from 2021 that once made headlines in the state.
Back then, in Kangra’s Jawalamukhi constituency, police were compelled to register an FIR not for a political protest or a social media post, but for the theft of a rooster.
According to reports, Rani Devi of Sugharl village, who runs a private poultry farm, alleged that on September 11, 2021, three individuals stole a rooster from her farm. She lodged a complaint with the local police, warning that the accused might repeat such thefts if no action was taken.
The matter, however, was initially brushed aside by the police. Dissatisfied with the response, Rani Devi escalated the complaint to the Chief Minister’s Helpline, providing full details. Only after directions from the helpline were the local police forced to act.
Following this intervention, Jawalamukhi Police registered an FIR against the three accused under theft charges. Station House Officer (SHO) Arun Singh confirmed that a case had been lodged and investigation was initiated.
Though the theft involved just one rooster, the case quickly drew attention as an example of how grievance redressal platforms can ensure action when local authorities fail to respond. For villagers, it was a reminder that even “small” complaints carry weight when pursued through official channels.
In hindsight, the so-called “Murga Chori FIR” stands as a quirky yet telling example: FIRs are not just about politics or high-profile cases—they can also be about a common villager’s stolen rooster.
