New Delhi: Hours after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused the Jharkhand Police of stalking Champai Soren in New Delhi, the Jharkhand Police released a statement saying it was a “misunderstanding”, adding that they were only “discharging their duties”. Former CM Champai Soren resigned from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Wednesday and is set to join the BJP Friday.
Sources in the Delhi Police confirmed to ThePrint that two sub-inspector rank officers from the Jharkhand Police’s special branch were detained from near ITC Maurya at Chanakyapuri and questioned Tuesday.
“We detained them because the local police weren’t informed about their presence and it raised suspicion. The local police have to be informed if the police from another state are here for any duty. After questioning them, the two officers were released early morning Wednesday. They weren’t in uniform,” a senior Delhi Police officer told ThePrint.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Police said in the statement that the special branch has been collecting intelligence “directly and indirectly on political, economic, social and other important issues related to Jharkhand” in Delhi and other states.
“The Jharkhand Police’s special branch contributes in providing security to the dignitaries covered under security category. As for the news of detention of two SI-level officers in Delhi, there was a misunderstanding while performing their duties. In this regard, news is being spread through certain media that a particular person was being monitored, whereas in reality, the said police officers were deputed for security arrangements. In this regard, information has been made available to all investigating institutions (agencies) concerned,” the statement read.
It clarified that the officers were released after the circumstances were made clear.
“Therefore, it is wrong to accuse the special branch of spying on any particular person. Champai Soren, a former chief minister, is under the high security category. Police officers of the special branch were discharging their responsibilities. Further action is being taken on this matter in accordance with rules,” the statement further read.
Also Read: Babulal Marandi losing hold among tribals? Jharkhand BJP chief faces state poll test after LS losses
CM Sarma’s statement on the issue
Sarma, who is also the election in-charge of the Jharkhand BJP, told the media Wednesday that a week ago, Champai had gone to Delhi for three days. “Again, on 26 August, he went to Delhi. He stayed at the Taj Hotel during both his visits. But yesterday, it came to light that both times, the Jharkhand Police’s special branch followed him.”
He also said that he suspects Champai’s phone was being tapped, and that an FIR was lodged in Delhi based on Champai’s complaint.
The Assam chief minister added that Champai’s associates had caught two people while they were allegedly capturing his photos in the hotel.
“They were handed over to the Delhi Police. Champai lodged an FIR as well. The two personnel had taken the same flight as Soren from Kolkata and booked rooms in the same hotel,” Sarma said.
“Initially, they said that they were journalists. But later, they revealed that they were from the Jharkhand Police’s special branch and that they were asked to follow Champai wherever he went. They said that these orders were given on the orders of the special branch’s Inspector General Prabhat Kumar.,” Sarma added.
Kumar did not respond to calls from ThePrint. This report will be updated if and when a response is received.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
Also Read: How Hemant Soren is making his prison stint a poll plank to attack BJP in tribal Jharkhand