ASI’s night party costs him dear

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 1

Flouting all Covid restrictions, a Punjab police official held a party to celebrate his son’s wedding that continued till late night yesterday.

The ASI has now been suspended by the district SSP and faces a departmental probe, though he has evaded an FIR till now.

According to eye witnesses, ASI Darshan Singh, posted with the Model Town police post, was holding a function to celebrate his son’s wedding at his house in Century Enclave.

“Despite curfew hours and a cap on maximum guests, the party continued till late at night. They had blocked an entire lane by erecting a tent. The catering staff, the DJ and guests left the venue after 11.30 pm, causing much inconvenience,” claimed area residents.

Sources said more than 24 policemen and administrative officials were part of the party. “Many cops from the district and outside the city were part of the party where music was being played till late at night, troubling area residents,” said an area resident.

When The Tribune team visited the spot, following repeated requests by residents, loud music could be heard as far as 500 metres away, with tents erected on the road opposite to the house of the cop. Many guests were seen at the venue around 10 pm, almost an hour after the curfew imposition. Many other guests were seen openly drinking in their cars parked around the venue. Warning of several more tough measures and restrictions, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had announced a two-hour extension in the night curfew in the state's nine districts worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Kumar Amit had already imposed a night curfew on March 12 (from 11 pm to 5 am) till further orders. Darshan Singh could not be contacted for comments.

Patiala SSP Vikramjeet Duggal said he had suspended ASI, who was on a 10-day leave for his son's wedding. "We will not tolerate such indiscipline when we are trying to set things in order in view of the rising Covid cases. I have called for an explanation from him too," said Duggal.