Munish Sood
Mandi
The Sadar Police Station in Mandi has registered two separate FIRs on February 23, 2026, in connection with allegations of misconduct involving a senior government officer and an alleged obscene performance during the International Mahashivratri Festival.
Advocate Booked on SDM’s Complaint
In the first case, FIR No. 64/2026 was registered at 5:20 PM under Sections 78, 79, 221, 224 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on the complaint of Rupinder Kaur, SDM (Sadar) Mandi.
According to the written complaint, an incident dated July 14, 2025, took place in the SDM’s office, where advocate Azad Kaith allegedly created a dispute over videography. The SDM has alleged that he used abusive language and made objectionable remarks, thereby hurting her dignity and attempting to intimidate her.
The complaint further states that on February 17, 2026, the advocate allegedly followed her and recorded video footage on his mobile phone without permission. It is alleged that the video contained defamatory and baseless comments about her character and professional conduct. The SDM has claimed that the act was intentional and aimed at tarnishing her image and causing mental harassment.
She has also alleged that the video was circulated publicly, resulting in serious damage to her reputation. The FIR includes allegations of defamation, stalking, criminal intimidation, and obstruction in discharge of official duties.
Police have initiated an investigation, and the case is being probed by Sub-Inspector Madan Lal, In-charge Police Post City Mandi.
Second FIR Over Alleged Obscene Content at Cultural Night
In a separate development, FIR No. 65/2026 was registered at 8:58 PM under Section 296 of the BNS based on an email complaint filed by Ashwani Kumar Saini, General Secretary of the Sundernagar Progressive Development Forum (R), Sundernagar.
In his complaint, Saini alleged that during the night cultural programme of the International Mahashivratri Festival in Mandi, performer Harbans Arora presented obscene content in the form of jokes from the stage. The complainant further alleged that instead of stopping the programme, the event organizers allowed it to be broadcast live.
The complaint claims that the alleged act hurt the religious sentiments associated with the historic fair and brought disrepute to Mandi district across the state. It was also alleged that the live telecast of the programme carried the content into households, leading to public embarrassment and outrage.
Police have registered the case and started an investigation. This matter is also being investigated by Sub-Inspector Madan Lal.
Further investigation is underway in both cases, and officials have stated that appropriate legal action will follow based on the findings.
