Mohanjit Singh Case Raises Questions Over Punjab Police Conduct
Punjab, September 6, 2026: A controversy over alleged custodial torture in Punjab has raised serious questions about police accountability, citizens’ rights and the treatment of ordinary people in custody.
The controversy involves Mohanjit Singh, a resident of Sheron village in Sangrur district and an anti-drug activist. During Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s public programme in Sheron on September 2, Singh allegedly displayed a black flag from a rooftop and raised slogans over the state’s drug problem. He was subsequently detained by police.
Serious Allegations Against Police
Mohanjit Singh has alleged that he was subjected to severe physical abuse while in police custody. Among his allegations are physical assault and the use of electric shocks. He has also alleged that his religious identity and symbols were disrespected.
These are extremely serious allegations. However, they remain allegations and must be established through an impartial investigation.
Punjab Police have denied the allegations. Police officials have said Singh was detained as a preventive security measure because his actions could disrupt the Chief Minister’s programme. Police have also referred to previous criminal cases allegedly registered against him and said that he tested positive for drugs while in preventive detention.
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Inquiry Ordered
The controversy has already led to official action. Punjab Police ordered an inquiry into the allegations, with the investigation being assigned to a senior officer from another Sangrur subdivision. Authorities have indicated that legal action will follow if wrongdoing is established.
The matter has also reached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The commission has sought an inquiry and an Action Taken Report from senior Punjab authorities, including the Chief Secretary, DGP, Sangrur SSP and District Magistrate.
Recent reports also say a DSP has been transferred and three other police personnel have been moved to police lines amid the controversy.
The Bigger Question: Can an Ordinary Citizen Protest?
The incident has triggered a broader debate beyond one individual.
A democratic government must allow citizens to question those in power. At the same time, authorities have a responsibility to maintain security during the visit of a Chief Minister or other senior public officials.
The difficult question is where the line should be drawn.
If a person violates a law or creates a genuine security threat, police have legal powers to intervene. But detention should never become a licence for abuse. If allegations of torture are proven, those responsible must face the law regardless of their position.
Police Accountability Matters
Punjab Police perform an important role in maintaining public safety, combating crime and protecting citizens. It would therefore be unfair to describe every police officer as abusive because of allegations involving particular personnel.
But allegations of custodial violence cannot simply be dismissed.
Police stations and detention facilities operate with significant state authority. A person in custody is particularly dependent on the system for protection of their rights. That makes independent investigation, medical examination, CCTV records and custody documentation extremely important.
The NHRC has specifically called for preservation of evidence including CCTV footage, medical records and custody logs in connection with the case.
Democracy Is Tested by How Critics Are Treated
The Mohanjit Singh controversy also raises a fundamental democratic question: How should the state respond when an ordinary citizen publicly disagrees with the government?
Criticism can be uncomfortable for any government. But peaceful disagreement and political criticism are part of democratic life.
At the same time, protesters must also remain within the law and avoid actions that create genuine danger to others.
The answer should therefore not be political revenge or police intimidation. It should be lawful, proportionate and transparent enforcement.
Investigation Must Establish the Truth
The most important next step is an impartial investigation.
If Mohanjit Singh’s allegations are proven, the officers responsible should face appropriate legal and departmental action. If the allegations are found to be false or exaggerated, that should also be established through evidence rather than political claims.
The public deserves to know what happened inside custody.
This is not simply about Mohanjit Singh. It is about a much larger principle: when an ordinary citizen enters police custody, their fundamental rights must remain protected.
A strong police force is not one that citizens fear. A strong police force is one that citizens can trust.
