The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been ordered to investigate the illegal activities against former Youth Congress President Angad Dutta in Jalandhar. These investigation orders have been given by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. An FIR was registered against Angad Dutta on 25 April 2022.
Investigation done even before information about the time of raid
At the same time, the police had received information against Angad Dutta in this regard at 7.27. However, his house was raided at 4:50. Due to which serious questions were raised on the validity of the police action. Regarding this, Dutta has questioned that if the police received the complaint at 7.27, then how could they raid my house a few hours earlier?
According to the information, Jalandhar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Toor ordered the raid to send about 50 officers, including two SHOs, an ACP and an ADCP. Dutta said that such a number of officers sent to my house was not just to scare me, it was an attempt to terrorize me and disrupt my business.
Allegations of misconduct against police
Datta also says that the police not only conducted an illegal raid but also sealed his office, making it difficult to run his family business. This organized attempt to imprison my work under the pretext of law is a matter of deep concern. What was the role of the police when his office was sealed? I demand answers.
CBI investigating
He further said that now that the CBI is investigating the case, Dutta has sought a thorough investigation into the influence of political pressure on the police. He confirmed that the CBI will investigate the role of Gurpreet Singh Toor and find out who is really behind these unjust actions.
Datta represents cable operators
Datta's fight goes beyond his personal case, he represents countless cable operators in Punjab who have faced similar harassment. He said the operators are silent victims, unable to withstand the political pressures that are attempting to take over their businesses. I stand up for them.
In Punjab, many cable operators face similar problems but they back down due to local political pressure. The CBI investigation will focus on how local political leaders, with the help of law enforcement, have been involved in illegally taking over cable businesses across Punjab. We need to expose the nexus between political leaders and the police that has led to the illegal takeover of our livelihoods, Dutta declared.
Reference to political vendetta
Since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power in 2022, Dutta has faced targeted attacks for his outspoken opposition and leadership as the Youth Congress president. The filing of false FIRs against him has been seen as an organised move to weaken his influence and gain control of his family cable business. When the judge saw the evidence presented to IPS Jalandhar, he found the situation unacceptable.
On September 20, 2024, as per an order, Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma appeared before the court. However, he was unable to give satisfactory answers regarding the ongoing issues of police involvement in uprooting cable networks and disrupting operations, Dutta said.
This Court also questioned the Jalandhar Police Commissioner regarding Annexure P-1, which contains photographs of police officers who are seen in the act of uprooting cable wires and other equipment. The Police Commissioner admitted that his action was not praiseworthy.
Statement of Angad Dutta
After the Court's decision, Dutta expressed his gratitude for the intervention of the judiciary and said, the order for a CBI probe is an important step towards justice for all cable operators who have been wrongly affected. The truth will be revealed and those responsible will be held accountable.
He said, I urge all cable operators who have suffered this injustice to unite. We should not be afraid to stand up for our rights. Together, we will fight against this political oppression.