Pithoragarh: In a significant development, a court in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh has ordered the registration of an FIR against former IPS officer Lokeshwar Singh and other police personnel over allegations of assault and humiliation of a local trader in 2023.
The order was passed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court on a complaint filed by trader Laxmi Datt Joshi, who has accused the then Superintendent of Police (SP) and others of misconduct inside the SP’s office.
Allegations of Assault and Humiliation Inside SP Office
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on February 6, 2023, when Joshi was allegedly summoned to the SP’s office in Takana, Pithoragarh, under the pretext of questioning related to cleanliness at police quarters.
Joshi alleged that he was detained for a considerable period and subjected to physical assault and humiliation, including being stripped inside the premises.
Earlier Complaint to Authorities Yielded No Immediate Action
The complainant stated that he initially approached district authorities, including submitting an application to the District Magistrate and filing a complaint through the Chief Minister’s portal.
Subsequently, he approached the state police complaints authority in Nainital on February 8, 2023, seeking redress.
Police Complaints Authority Found Claims Credible
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the authority, in December 2025, passed an order against Lokeshwar Singh and other personnel, recommending departmental action to the state Home Department.
The authority reportedly found inconsistencies in Singh’s defence, in which he claimed that Joshi was called only for questioning in connection with a vehicle arson case and was allowed to leave the same day.
Singh had also alleged that the complainant had a criminal background, a claim that did not find support in the authority’s findings.
Court Steps In After FIR Not Registered
Following the authority’s recommendation, the complainant alleged that local police failed to register an FIR.
He then approached the court on March 16, 2026.
Acting on the plea, the CJM court has now directed the Station House Officer (SHO) to register an FIR against the former IPS officer and initiate an investigation. The court has also sought a report on the action taken.
Lokeshwar Singh Resigned Before Authority’s Verdict
Notably, Lokeshwar Singh, a 2014-batch IPS officer, had resigned from service on October 14, 2025, just days before the police complaints authority delivered its order.
He was last posted as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Pauri Garhwal.
Following his resignation, Singh reportedly took up a position with an organisation affiliated with the United Nations.
Case Raises Questions on Accountability
The case has brought renewed focus on accountability within the police system, particularly in cases where allegations are substantiated by oversight bodies but delayed in enforcement at the ground level.
The court’s intervention is expected to push forward the legal process and ensure that the matter is investigated as per due procedure.
