Lawyer-police altercation spills into criminal case

Rajkot: A neighbourhood dispute in Rajkot escalated into a confrontation between police and a lawyer, with a head constable filing an FIR against an advocate and his client over an alleged altercation inside a police station.

The incident prompted the Bar Association to accuse police of misconduct and seek action against officials.Head constable Renuka Chaudhary lodged a complaint at University police station against advocate Ravi Vaghela and his client Sheetal Chavda, for causing hurt to deter a public servant from their duty, criminal intimidation and trespass.According to the FIR, a dispute had arisen between Sheetal Chavda, a resident of Kevalam Quarter in Rajkot, and her neighbour Rekhaben.

After an application was submitted to police, both parties were called to the police station and preventive proceedings were initiated to avoid a breach of peace.The FIR states that while police were handling the matter, advocate Ravi Vaghela arrived at the station on behalf of Chavda and questioned the nature of the police inquiry and the action being taken.According to Chaudhary, she explained that the police were taking preventive measures as the dispute involved a breach of peace.

The FIR alleges that Vaghela objected to the action, insisting that a cognisable offence should be registered and action taken against the opposing party.The complaint further alleges that Vaghela got into a heated argument with Chaudhary and other police personnel and used abusive language.Police also alleged that a woman accompanying Vaghela scuffled with Chaudhary and pushed her, causing injuries to her shoulder and head.Meanwhile, the incident drew a strong response from the Rajkot Bar Association.On Monday, Rajkot Bar Association president Sumit Vora and other office-bearers submitted a representation to the city police commissioner.According to it, Vaghela informed the Bar Association that his client had been asked to sign a blank paper at the police station and sought legal assistance.The Bar Association alleged at the police station, personnel misbehaved with Vaghela. Advocates and office-bearers of the association then reached University Police Station and made a representation to the police inspector. The association said no satisfactory resolution was reached and alleged that senior officers attempted to shield the personnel involved.The lawyers subsequently approached the police commissioner and demanded the suspension of the officers concerned.