Cop manhandles eatery manager over ‘not closing outlet in time’

Jalandhar, July 17

An incident involving a police officer’s alleged misconduct has surfaced at the PPR Market in the city, drawing significant public attention. The incident, which took place at Chick Chick restaurant, was captured on CCTV and has gone viral on social media.

The altercation occurred late on Monday evening as the restaurant was closing for the night. Employees were packing up, with the manager Rahul attending to the cash register, while a customer was still inside. Due to the presence of the customer, the restaurant’s shutters remained open.

According to Rahul, an ASI-ranked police officer entered the restaurant, questioned the late closing and then forcefully dragged him out by the collar before slapping him. Rahul stated, “The cop asked why the restaurant was open till so late. I explained that a customer was still inside and that we would close once he leaves.”

He further alleged that his establishment was unfairly targeted while other restaurants nearby, which were also open, were not confronted in the same manner. The other restaurants continued to serve food both inside their premises and in vehicles, he claimed.

The restaurant owner, meanwhile, said the altercation might have been retaliatory. Earlier in the day, a police officer had visited the restaurant for food, but was turned away as the tandoor was not ready. The owner suggested that this refusal could have led to the targeting of their restaurant.

Harinder Singh, ACP, Model Town, stated that the restaurant was operating past the mandated midnight closing time. He emphasised that strict orders were in place requiring all shops to shut by 12 am, and the restaurant owner had been previously warned many times. “The eatery was given notices on three occasions to comply with the closing time, but it failed to adhere to the orders and misbehaved with the officer,” the ACP Singh said.

ACP Singh claimed that the police officer’s actions were a reaction to the misconduct of the restaurant staff and manager. However, he noted that the restaurant owner was ultimately let off after being issued a stern warning. He reiterated the importance of adhering to the closing time regulations in the city, which are being rigorously enforced to maintain the public order.

What manager says

The altercation occurred late on Monday evening as the restaurant was closing. Employees were packing up, with manager Rahul attending to the cash register while a customer was still inside. Due to his presence, the restaurant’s shutters remained open. According to Rahul, an ASI-ranked officer entered the restaurant, questioned the late closing and then forcefully dragged him out by the collar before slapping him.

Misbehaved with cops

Harinder Singh, ACP, Model Town, stated that the restaurant was operating past the mandated midnight closing time. Strict orders were in place requiring all shops to shut by 12 midnight and the restaurant owner had been previously warned many times. “The eatery was given notices on three occasions to comply with the closing time, but it failed to adhere to the orders and misbehaved with the officer,” the ACP said.