Renowned cancer specialist Dr. Sameer Kaul lodged a complaint on Tuesday, alleging that he was manhandled by traffic policemen in Srinagar.
The incident reportedly occurred on Boulevard Road as Kaul was traveling from his residence in the Nishat area towards the airport.
Kaul, a member of National Conference, described the event as shocking and expressed concern over what he termed as “power drunkenness” exhibited by the police. According to Kaul, while he was en route to the airport, traffic was halted for the convoy of the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor. He was initially redirected to an alternative route but was then turned back and told to take his original path.
Upon complying with the instructions, Kaul alleges he was attacked by a group of traffic policemen led by an inspector, without any provocation or explanation. The NC leader reported being physically assaulted, resulting in injuries and broken spectacles. He voiced his dismay, stating, “If this could happen to me who has given so much to society, what would happen to a common man?”
Kaul’s complaint was filed at the Nishat police station, and a medical examination was conducted.
He emphasized that the physical pain was secondary to the humiliation he felt from the incident, questioning whether the attack was politically motivated due to his association with the NC.
Expressing his concerns about the governance in the region, Kaul urged the Lieutenant Governor to reconsider the use of cavalcade systems that inconvenience the public, saying, “You cannot hold the people of the state to ransom like that. How long will it go on like this?”
A police officer confirmed that an investigation is underway to verify the facts, and further details will be shared as they become available.