Mandi SP Sakshi Verma defends police, says minister was moved out safety, 60 persons booked
Munish Sood
MANDI: A shoe-throwing incident during the Janjheli visit of Himachal Pradesh Horticulture and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has stirred a political storm, with Congress leader Naresh Chauhan slamming the local administration for what he called “gross police negligence”.
The district police, however, have firmly denied any security lapse, claiming swift action was taken and 60 persons had already been booked.
Naresh Chauhan, a member of the Congress steering committee who unsuccessfully contested the Assembly election from Nachan in Mandi district, condemned the incident, questioned how, despite heavy police presence, could shoes be hurled at a Cabinet minister’s vehicle. “Why were no immediate arrests made,” he asked.
“It’s been four days, yet no one has been arrested. This is not just a law-and-order lapse but a breakdown of basic protocol in protecting a minister,” Chauhan told reporters. “The police stood by as mute spectators. This act is a blot on democracy and must not be taken lightly.”
Naresh Chauhan demanded that all culprits be identified and arrested immediately, stating that such incidents could not be brushed aside as minor disturbances.
Minister was safely escorted, says Mandi SP
Responding to the allegations, Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma categorically denied any failure in police duty. She stated that the situation was handled with utmost professionalism and calm.
“It is absolutely incorrect to say there was a lapse in security. The police’s top priority was to ensure the safety of the minister and within 15 minutes, the minister and his convoy were safely moved to their next destination,” SP Verma said.
She clarified that the police had taken pre-emptive measures and were prepared for peaceful demonstrations. “The protestors had earlier stated that they would simply hand over a memorandum. But in a moment of desperation at the end, some individuals crossed the line. Despite that, the police controlled the situation effectively and ensured there were no injuries, damage or escalation,” she said.
Over 60 protesters booked, videos being scrutinised for more leads
SP Sakshi Verma confirmed that over 60 persons had already been booked under various sections of the IPC for waving black flags and throwing objects, including shoes, at the minister’s convoy.
“We have scanned multiple video footages from the day of the incident. The identification process is underway and further arrests will follow soon. We are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability,” she assured.
