The Punjab & Haryana High Court has ordered the preservation of CCTV footage from a police station in Chandigarh, where it's alleged that police officers assaulted an Indian army soldier after a matrimonial dispute, leaving him stripped naked.

"In the process of issuing notices to the UT Chandigarh, DGP, and other relevant authorities, Justice Karamjit Singh emphasized the preservation of CCTV footage dated 12.11.2023 from the camera installed at Police Station Sector 11, Chandigarh."

In November 2023, the soldier was reportedly subjected to physical assault and stripped naked by the Chandigarh police at the police station, where his wife serves as a senior constable. Subsequently, the police allegedly recorded a video of the incident. The petitioner mentioned in the plea that he was intimidated by the police, who threatened to make the video of the incident viral if he attempted to contact his wife or child.

Days following the incident, the petitioner reported the entire ordeal to his commanding officer, who subsequently lodged a complaint with the DGP and IGP of Chandigarh. Remarkably, the complaint was directed to the very police station where the petitioner had been assaulted.

Furthermore, the petitioner conveyed that he had submitted a representation in January to the SSP, Chandigarh, requesting that his application be forwarded to an officer of no less than the rank of DSP to commence action. However, up to the present time, no action has been taken.

The matter is now deferred to February 21, for further consideration.

Advocates GPS Ghuman and Shivraj Daumajra appeared for the petitioner.

Case Title: XXX v. STATE OF UT CHANDIGARH AND OTHERS