Himachal Pradesh Police issue clarification on recent 'tourist manhandling' incidents in Dalhousie

PTC Web Desk: The Himachal Pradesh Police have issued a clarification regarding two recent alleged tourist manhandling incidents in Khajjiar/Dalhousie, Chamba district, which have been widely reported in newspapers and on social media. These reports have questioned the conduct of local residents and the Himachal Pradesh police. In a statement, the Himachal Pradesh Police said " Our force is well-disciplined, public-friendly, and committed to high moral standards. Himachal Pradesh remains a peaceful state that warmly welcomes tourists."

In a statement on recent incident involving ASI Paramjit Singh from Chandigarh Police, the police issued a clarification that: "On June 9, 2024, Paramjit Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) with the Chandigarh Police, visited Khajjiar in Chamba district. He parked his Toyota Fortuner (CH 01 CE 8821) in the middle of the road, obstructing traffic. When Khajjiar Police Post officials asked him to move his vehicle, he became offended and argumentative. An inquiry conducted by the SHO of PS Sadar, Chamba, found that allegations against the police, suggesting they solicited support from local taxi drivers to confront the tourists, were baseless and false."

In the incident involving NRI couple Kanwaljeet Singh and his Spanish wife, the police said, "On June 11, 2024, NRI tourist Kanwaljeet Singh, his Spanish wife, and his brother Jeevanjeet Singh visited Khajjiar from Amritsar. According to the inquiry, Kanwaljeet Singh and his brother were forcibly holding the hands of female tourists and local women under the guise of practicing palmistry. This behaviour led to a confrontation between the NRI couple and the local people. The police intervened, bringing the NRI couple to the Sultanpur Police Post. Despite repeated requests, the couple refused to initiate legal proceedings or undergo medical examinations. Their statements, in which they declined to register a complaint regarding the scuffle, were recorded and are attached to this press note.

The Himachal Pradesh Police have clarified that these incidents are unrelated to the separate event involving Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut and CISF constable Kulwinder Kaur at the Chandigarh airport. It claimed that there was no altercation with local people regarding Kangana Ranaut.