1 held for vandalising Panchkula councillor’s house, vehicle

The complainant, Usha Rani, a councillor from Ward Number 7, is a key witness in two drug-related cases, said Panchkula police, adding that they have arrested one person involved in the vandalism

Unidentified miscreants vandalised a Congress councillor’s house and vehicle in Sector 16, opposite the local police post, on Wednesday, police said on Thursday.

Congress councillor Usha Rani’s damaged vehicle, which was pelted with stones and bricks. (HT Photo)

The complainant, Usha Rani, a councillor from Ward Number 7, is a key witness in two drug-related cases, police said, adding that they have arrested one person involved in the vandalism.

The arrested individual has been identified as Sunil Kumar, they said.

Usha Rani, in her complaint to the police, said a group of men was arguing in front of the police post around 10.07 pm.

When her husband tried to stop them, the group got aggressive and hurled stones and bricks at their car, causing significant damage.

She also identified three of the assailants, who threatened and verbally abused her and her husband. The couple was forced to take shelter in a shop.

Further, the assailants moved to Rani’s residence, damaging the front door, destroying CCTV cameras, and issuing threats. Rani has filed a formal complaint with deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Himadri Kaushik, emphasising the ongoing threats she and her husband are receiving due to their vocal anti-drug stance.

She also brought up her previous request for police protection in March 2021, which was denied. Her husband is also a witness in a drug case.

An FIR has been registered at the Sector 14 police station under Sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 190 (unlawful assembly), 191(3) (rioting while armed with a deadly weapon), 324(4) (causing mischief that results in loss or damage to property), 351(2) (criminal intimidation) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the BNS against the assailants.

Assistant sub-inspector Satish Kumar of the Sector 16 police post confirmed the arrest.

A manhunt is underway to apprehend the remaining individuals involved, he added.