Calling it a classic example of false implication by police, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has dismissed the charge sheet and summoning order against a home guard accused of extortion from truck drivers at a no-entry point in Hardoi. In a significant ruling, the bench also directed the Hardoi district magistrate and superintendent of police to pay a cost of Rs 2 lakh to the petitioner, the home guard, for harassing him in the case. The court criticized the shoddy investigation, highlighting the absence of witnesses and crucial evidence.
The petitioner, Ram Gopal Gupta, a home guard posted on traffic duty under the Lonar police circle, was taken into custody on September 27, 2020, for allegedly seeking bribes from a truck driver, based on a video. After an investigation, he was charged on October 13, 2020, and summoned to appear before the court on April 25, 2022. Dissatisfied with the proceedings, Gupta approached the Allahabad high court for relief.
Upon reviewing the case, Justice Rajeev Singh found that the alleged video was not attached to the case diary, raising questions about its veracity. Furthermore, the bench pointed out that no aggrieved person was involved in the case, rendering the charges baseless. The court admonished the Hardoi district magistrate and superintendent of police, ordering them to submit a compliance report within two months. Additionally, copies of the order were sent to relevant authorities for further action.
This decision comes as a major vindication for Gupta, who had vehemently denied the charges against him. The court’s ruling reflects a firm stance against the improper implication of individuals and emphasizes the importance of a thorough and fair investigation. As the legal process unfolds, this case serves as a reminder of the significance of upholding justice and ensuring the rights of every individual accused of a crime.
