Daughter of Kullu Tehsildar Criticizes Authorities After Assault Incident

Family Expresses Distress Over Assault Incident

Munish Sood
MANDI/KULLU:
Anshumala, the daughter of the Kullu Tehsildar, has voiced her outrage against the district administration and law enforcement following an alleged assault on her father by local deity followers during the International Kullu Dussehra festival.

In a media statement, Anshumala expressed that the incident has left her family shaken and raised significant concerns regarding the safety of attendees at the festival.

“My father attended the event to fulfill his official responsibilities. He did not act disrespectfully. As an administrative officer, he was simply doing his job. Yet, he was violently grabbed, dragged, and assaulted. This kind of violence could happen to anyone visiting the fair,” she stated.

Anshumala criticized the lack of decisive action from officials against those who attacked her father. “Our family is deeply disturbed. My mother, who is very religious, even contemplated suicide due to the public humiliation we endured. We have never faced anything like this before. While we respect the deities, this attack is unjust,” she remarked.

Incident Sparks Questions About Police Presence

Anshumala acknowledged that her father's shoe inadvertently entered the tent but emphasized that this did not warrant the assault. “He was on duty even after 5 pm. For three days, there was a conspiracy against him simply because he was working. He is assigned this duty every year due to his reliability. In emergencies, he is the one called upon, often sacrificing food and rest to fulfill his responsibilities,” she explained.

She also raised concerns about the police presence at the festival. “Where were the police? How many officers were stationed in each area? If a magistrate can be treated this way, then anyone could commit a crime without consequence. Neither the District Collector nor the Superintendent of Police has made any statements. The local deity group has denied the incident, yet no official has intervened or offered assistance. Are the fair's festivities prioritized over public safety?” she questioned.

Calls for Accountability and Action

Anshumala claimed to possess video evidence of her father being dragged and nearly harmed, demanding accountability for those involved. “The law must take action against those who assaulted him. My father's shoe was made of cloth, not leather. Even those who carry the deity wear shoes, so why this inconsistency?” she added.

“This incident is not merely an attack on my father; it serves as a warning to society. I demand immediate and strong action. We would have apologized to the deity if necessary, but no civilized society should tolerate such an assault,” she concluded.

This incident has placed the Kullu administration and police under significant scrutiny, raising critical questions about accountability, public safety, and the protection of officials during significant religious events.