SHIMLA: In a shocking incident exposing deep-rooted prejudices within law enforcement, a head constable in Himachal Pradesh has been booked under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for allegedly practicing caste discrimination against a subordinate policeman.

The case unfolded at the Chopal police station after a constable lodged a formal complaint detailing a harrowing experience of mental harassment and untouchability. According to the complainant, he was deployed on a woman’s security guard duty across multiple stints—ranging from late July to mid-September.

The aggrieved officer stated that upon arriving at the guard room on July 27, the in-charge head constable inquired about his caste. Things allegedly took an ugly turn once the constable revealed he belonged to a Scheduled Caste community. The complainant claims the senior officer's behavior changed drastically overnight, warning him to maintain distance, avoid touching common utensils, and constantly stay mindful of his caste.

Tensions peaked on September 13 as the security duty wrapped up. When the complainant stepped forward to serve himself food, the head constable allegedly grew furious and instructed another colleague present in the room to block him from eating. Although the constable eventually served himself and ate, the head constable staged a silent protest by refusing to consume his own meal that evening.

Shimla Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mehar Panwar confirmed that a formal investigation is underway. "Following the complaint, an entry was made into the daily police record, and a case has been registered against the head constable under Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST Act," ASP Panwar stated. She added that the complaint is also being treated as a special report.

Crucially, the aggrieved constable claims to possess vital digital evidence, including a video recording capturing a conversation where the accused allegedly admits to questioning him about his caste. Describing the ordeal as severe mental torture, the victim has demanded strict disciplinary and legal action.

The local police administration stated that a comprehensive probe is examining the purported video, statements, and available evidence, and further legal action will proceed based on verified facts.