Builder alleges inspector of Kolsewadi police station beat him up for consuming wine on New Year's Eve even though he had a permit, and took Rs10,000 from him; cop earlier thrashed a youth because he didn't like his hairstyle

It so happens that the policeman who doesn't like trendy hairdos doesn't like people drinking alcohol either, even within limit and with a drinking permit and on the last day of the year.


My way or the highway: (below) Rajesh Singh has complained that Sr
PI Lohalkar halted his auto rickshaw on the night of December 31 and
gave him a hiding for having consumed alcohol. Pics/Navneet Barhate

Senior Inspector Jagdish Lohalkar, attached to Kolsewadi police station in Kalyan, who had allegedly assaulted a college student for sporting a funky hairstyle a few months ago, has now invited fresh controversy.

A local builder has complained that the inspector thrashed him on the night of December 31 for consuming wine, even though he had his drinking licence and was not driving.

On January 6, Rajesh B Singh (38), a Mumbra resident who has construction sites at Kongaon, Bhiwandi, complained (copy with MiD DAY) to Deputy Commissioner of Police Hira Singh Jadhav against Lohalkar. He said that on December 31, while he was returning home in an auto rickshaw after a new year's revelry at a bar, Lohalkar stopped his auto near a mall about 1.15 am and started making inquiries. When the officer realised that Singh was drunk, his voice turned stern, at which Singh produced his drinking licence. This was immaterial to the cop who, all riled up at the thought of a tipsy Singh, gave him a sound beating with his subordinate Deshmukh, Singh alleged.

"I am still not able to understand why they thrashed me. I had my drinking permit and was travelling by an auto," said Singh.

Later that night, Singh went to Kolsewadi police station to register a complaint against Lohalkar and Deshmukh. But he had stepped into the cop's territory. He said that Lohalkar, who was present at the station, ganged up with the other staff and thrashed him for a second time.

Singh alleged policemen forcibly took away Rs 10,000 from his pocket. After the ordeal, Singh went to a hospital to tend to his injuries. On January 6, he complained to the DCP. "A robbery offence should be registered against Lohalkar," said Singh.

The other side
DCP (Kalyan) Hira Singh Jadhav said, "I am on leave. I am not aware of the latest complaint against Lohalkar but I remember that the assistant commissioner of police had warned Lohalkar not to misbehave with the public."

Despite several attempts, Lohalkar remained unavailable for comment.