Shimla, Feb 26 (NationPress) The President of BJP in Himachal Pradesh, Rajeev Bindal, expressed strong disapproval towards the Congress-led state government on Thursday, labeling the recent standoff between the police forces of Delhi and Himachal Pradesh over the custody of three Youth Congress activists as “unprecedented and deeply alarming”.

The trio was detained by the Delhi Police in relation to a “shirtless protest” that took place during the AI Summit in the capital.

Bindal emphasized that the events that transpired in the last 24 hours are without precedent in the state's history.

He accused the state government of providing protection to those accused of tarnishing India's international reputation during the global AI Summit.

According to Bindal, instead of facilitating a lawful process, the government instigated a confrontation between law enforcement agencies by lodging an FIR against the Delhi Police team executing lawful arrests. “This is nothing short of the peak of anarchy,” he remarked.

The former minister noted that the Delhi Police had come to Himachal Pradesh as part of a legal proceeding, following appropriate protocols and court orders. Yet, he alleged that the Himachal Police filed a case of abduction against the Delhi Police, obstructing their efforts and creating a high-tension standoff.

“When a state administration sets one police force against another for political motives, it signifies a perilous collapse of constitutional governance,” Bindal remarked.

He pointed out that the law and order situation in Himachal Pradesh has significantly worsened over the last three years, citing recent incidents such as a suspicious death in Nalagarh linked to the land or mining mafia, the attack on a forest officer in Chamba, assaults on administrative officials in Mandi, shooting incidents in Bilaspur and Una, and the horrific murder of a Dalit minor.

“In all these grave situations, the government has displayed apathy. However, when it comes to shielding those accused of undermining the nation, the entire system springs into action,” Bindal told reporters in the town of Una.

Additionally, he accused the government of eroding constitutional institutions.

Regarding the Panchayati Raj elections, he mentioned that despite a timetable issued by the state Election Commission, the government allegedly instructed officials to disregard it.

He termed this a constitutional crisis and criticized the government for spending enormous sums on legal struggles against the Election Commission in higher courts while professing financial limitations.

On another note, the Himachal Pradesh Police reported receiving information about an incident where individuals in civilian attire, driving vehicles with out-of-state registration, allegedly forcibly removed three individuals from a resort in Chirgaon.

The police also confiscated certain electronic devices, including a digital video recorder (DVR), from the location.

Taking the situation seriously, the Shimla Police swiftly initiated necessary legal measures to clarify the facts and ensure strict adherence to legal protocols, as stated by the Himachal Police in an official communication.

In a prompt response, Shimla Police collaborated closely with Solan Police and intercepted the individuals at various locations, including Shoghi, ISBT in Shimla, and Dharampur. Upon verification, it was confirmed that the group consisted of police personnel from Delhi and Haryana who had tracked and taken custody of the three individuals related to a case registered in Delhi.

To guarantee full legal compliance and protect the rights of all parties involved, Shimla Police presented the individuals before the appropriate local court for necessary directions. The three individuals were also subjected to a medical examination at Ripon Hospital in Shimla, following established legal procedures.

Ultimately, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Shimla granted a transit remand of around 18 hours. After completing all statutory formalities and necessary verification, the Delhi and Haryana Police team was allowed to proceed back to Delhi with the individuals involved.