PUNE: Tensions have escalated sharply between the legal fraternity and local law enforcement following a serious incident at the Lonikand Police Station. A delegation led by the president and executive committee of the Pune Bar Association visited the police station to formally submit a demand for the immediate suspension and strict criminal action against a police constable accused of physically assaulting a practicing advocate.
The controversy stems from an incident on July 31, 2026, involving advocate Sahil Shaikh and police constable Nitin Ponge attached to the Lonikand Police Station. According to the formal complaint lodged by the advocate, the confrontation began after he questioned the high-handed treatment and alleged harassment of a citizen.
The complaint alleges that despite explicitly identifying himself as an officer of the court with legal standing to question procedural conduct, Adv. Shaikh was forcibly taken into the police station premises and subjected to severe physical abuse. Legal representatives have highlighted that critical evidence, including CCTV footage and recordings captured immediately following the incident, must be secured to establish the sequence of events.
Reacting swiftly to the mounting outrage within the legal community, the Pune Bar Association intervened. Accompanied by executive members, the leadership met with station authorities to register a vehement protest against police high-handedness. During the formal representation, the delegation pressed for the immediate suspension of Constable Nitin Ponge, asserting that law enforcement personnel cannot be permitted to act as lawbreakers.
Senior police officials present during the discussion have handed over medical examination lists to the aggrieved advocate and assured the association delegation that an unbiased, rigorous inquiry is underway. Supervisory officers confirmed that strict legal action will follow based on the findings of the departmental and factual probe. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from legal bodies across Pune, who are closely monitoring the investigation to ensure institutional accountability and to protect the dignity and safety of advocates performing their professional duties.
