Dehradun: Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth, an IPS officer of 1995 batch, has clarified that police constable Sher Singh, who recently handed over his purported resignation to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke during a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, was already under suspension and facing a criminal case.
The clarification came after videos of the constable, dressed in police uniform, went viral on social media, where he claimed to have resigned from service after witnessing the alleged lathicharge on young protesters participating in the CJP-led agitation.
DGP Says Constable Was Already Under Suspension
Responding to the controversy, DGP Deepam Seth said Sher Singh had already been placed under suspension for prolonged unauthorized absence from duty while posted in Pithoragarh district.
“He is facing a criminal case for his alleged involvement in a fraud and land encroachment matter along with a gangster in Haridwar. He was arrested on September 15 last year and remained in jail for several months before securing bail a few months ago,” the DGP said.
According to the police chief, Singh’s appearance at the protest has no bearing on his official service status as he had already been suspended before the incident.
Drama at Jantar Mantar
The controversy unfolded when Sher Singh reached the protest venue at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and publicly handed over what he described as his resignation letter to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke.
Addressing the gathering, Singh claimed he had resigned after witnessing the police action against protesters. He further alleged that several other Uttarakhand Police personnel were also prepared to resign and join the movement.
He also made controversial claims regarding alleged irregularities in examination systems, stating that “question papers are sold in grocery stores in Uttarakhand.”
Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media, with several users hailing him as a “hero,” prompting an official response from the Uttarakhand Police headquarters.
Police Reveal Suspension Timeline
Inspector General (Kumaon) Nivedita Kukreti issued a detailed statement explaining the sequence of events surrounding Sher Singh’s service status.
According to her:
- After securing bail, Sher Singh rejoined duty under applicable rules and served during April and May.
- However, he stopped reporting for duty from June 28.
- The Superintendent of Police, Pithoragarh, served him a notice seeking an explanation for his prolonged absence.
- As no response was received, he was placed under suspension on July 20.
She clarified that the suspension had already taken effect several days before the constable appeared at the Delhi protest.
Departmental Action to Follow
IG Kukreti also accused the constable of presenting a misleading narrative during the protest.
“Today, he showed up at Jantar Mantar and narrated a concocted story. We have taken serious note of the matter, and strict departmental action will follow for the objectionable speech delivered at the protest site,” she said.
The police department has indicated that additional disciplinary proceedings may now be initiated over his conduct during the protest while already under suspension.
Criminal Case Still Pending
Apart from departmental proceedings, Sher Singh continues to face a criminal investigation in an alleged fraud and land encroachment case in Haridwar.
According to the DGP, he was arrested in September last year and remained in judicial custody for several months before being released on bail. The case remains pending.
The Uttarakhand Police has maintained that the facts regarding the constable’s suspension and criminal proceedings are officially recorded, rejecting the impression created through his public appearance at the protest.
