Kullu SP, CM's PSO suspended after altercation during Gadkari's visit

Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh and Chief Minister's Protective Service Officer (PSO) Balwant Singh have been suspended following an altercation during Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's visit to Kullu.

Shimla: Following altercation during Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's visit to Kullu, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh and CM's Personal Security Officer (PSO) Balwant Singh have been suspended. The Director-General of Police has confirmed the same. However, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Brijesh Sood has escaped suspension.

DGP Sanjay Kundu took immediate action after the clash between the police officers. Taking the first action after leaving Shimla for Kullu, the DGP has sent SP Kullu, ASP Brijesh Sood and PSO Balwant on forced leave. Apart from this, DGP also ordered the duty of SP Kullu to be handled by DIG Central Range Madhusudan at present. ASP rank officer Puneet Raghu has been entrusted with the duty of CM's security officer and ASP Brijesh Sood.

What had happened?

A heated argument between the two officers led to Kullu SP slapping the security officer, who responded by kicking and punching the SP in retaliation during Gadkari's visit. Police officials present on the spot intervened and separated the duo. However, the video of the incident had gone viral on social media.

CM Thakur was in Bhuntar airport to welcome Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. As soon Gadkari's convoy began to leave the Bhuntar airport, protesting farmers under the banner of Fourlane Kisan Sangh converged to meet him. Gadkari stopped his vehicle and got down to meet the protesting farmers, accompanied by the CM Jai Ram Thakur.