Punjab’s Lawlessness Exposed: Army Officer, Son Assaulted by Cops
- India South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 6 minutes read
In a deeply troubling turn of events, an Army officer and his son were brutally assaulted by seven policemen in Punjab during the intervening night of March 13 and 14, 2025. The incident, reportedly sparked by a car parking dispute, escalated into a violent attack where the victims were beaten with iron rods. The Army officer suffered severe injuries, including a fractured hand, while his son also sustained major wounds. This shocking episode has once again raised concerns about police brutality and misconduct in India. Witnesses described the attack as unprovoked and excessive, with the Army officer left with a broken hand due to the brutal beating. Following massive outrage, five police officers involved in the attack have been suspended. However, suspensions alone do not address the larger issue of law enforcement misconduct. Many are calling for stricter disciplinary measures, including criminal prosecution of the involved officers. Adding to this distressing scenario is a recent pattern of unlawful activities within the law enforcement and judicial systems, including the case of Para trooper Abhimanyu Jangam, who was allegedly framed, arrested, and tortured in custody. To make matters worse, corruption within the judiciary has also surfaced, with Delhi High Court judge Yashwanth Verma allegedly found with ₹15 crore of burnt cash at his residence. The combination of these incidents raises an alarming question: What is happening to the law and order in India?
Pattern of Police Misconduct: The Abhimanyu Jangam Case- This latest case of brutality is not an isolated event. A similar instance of police high-handedness was reported earlier this month, when Para trooper Abhimanyu Jangam, a member of the elite 9 Para Forces, was arrested on March 5, 2025. Reports suggest that Jangam was picked up by police on charges —an allegation that many claim was fabricated. Eyewitness accounts and sources indicate that Jangam was not only wrongfully detained but also subjected to inhumane treatment while in custody. He was reportedly beaten in jail, raising serious concerns about police behaviour and the treatment of military personnel. These back-to-back incidents paint a grim picture of law enforcement in India. The police, who are supposed to serve and protect, are increasingly being accused of abuse of power and misconduct. Furthermore, the assault on Army personnel—who dedicate their lives to protecting the nation—indicates a worrying lack of respect for military officials. Many are asking: If Army officers and elite soldiers are not safe from police brutality, what does this mean for the common citizen?
Judicial Corruption: ₹15 Crore Burnt Cash Found at High Court Judge’s Residence As if the rising police brutality wasn’t concerning enough, another shocking revelation has come to light. Delhi High Court Judge Yashwanth Verma has been caught in a major corruption scandal, with authorities discovering at least ₹15 crores of burnt cash at his residence. This revelation raises serious concerns about the integrity of the judicial system, which is supposed to uphold justice and fairness. This discovery has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the credibility of a system that allows such corruption to thrive. If judges themselves are involved in illegal activities, how can citizens expect fair trials and justice?
The Bigger Picture: A System in Crisis
The past few weeks have highlighted multiple systemic failures:
- Police Brutality: The Punjab police’s assault on an Army officer and his son, and the wrongful arrest of Para trooper Abhimanyu Jangam, showcase a serious issue within law enforcement agencies.
- Judicial Corruption: The case of Judge Yashwanth Verma further highlights deep-rooted corruption in the judiciary.
- Weak Accountability Measures: Despite public outrage, suspensions and temporary measures do little to prevent future abuses of power.
The incidents have triggered widespread protests and outrage, with people demanding stronger action. Many citizens and defence personnel believe that suspending police officers is not enough—criminal charges must be filed against those responsible for the attack on the Army officer and his son. Similarly, calls for a deeper investigation into judicial corruption are growing stronger. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages condemning police brutality and judicial corruption. Hashtags such as #JusticeForArmyOfficer, #StopPoliceBrutality, and #CorruptJudiciary are trending, as people express their anger and demand accountability.
The recent events highlight the urgent need for reforms in multiple areas:
1. Police Reforms: Establish independent oversight committees to investigate complaints against law enforcement. Implement stricter punishments for police brutality. Provide better training to police personnel on conflict resolution and human rights.
2. Judicial Accountability: Introduce more rigorous background checks and ethical audits for judges. Strengthen anti-corruption laws and ensure quick prosecution of corrupt officials.
3. Respect for Armed Forces: Enforce strict laws to prevent the mistreatment of military personnel by civilian authorities. Introduce a special grievance system where defence personnel can report misconduct by law enforcement.
The recent attacks on Army personnel, coupled with judicial corruption, point to a larger problem within India’s governance and law enforcement systems. The government must act swiftly to restore public faith in the system. If no strong measures are taken, the very pillars of justice, law, and order will continue to crumble. The people of India are now watching closely. Will the government take decisive action to address these alarming trends, or will these incidents become just another statistic in the long history of institutional failures?