Ram Kumar Illegal Detention, ₹14 Lakh Jewellery Loot: Allahabad High Court Orders SP Inquiry

In a significant move against custodial misconduct, the Allahabad High Court has stepped in to investigate shocking allegations of illegal detention and outright robbery at a Uttar Pradesh police station. A division bench comprising Justice Rajnish Kumar and Justice Mrs. Babita Rani directed the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Unnao to probe claims that a man was unlawfully held and then looted of valuables worth over ₹14 lakh within the confines of a police station.

The case came to light through a criminal writ petition filed by Ram Kumar , who alleged a harrowing three-day ordeal at Police Station Hasanganj in Unnao district. According to the petition, he was illegally detained from July 27 to July 30, 2026 , without any formal criminal case being registered against him. During this period, he claimed that police personnel along with a private individual (opposite party no. 7) robbed him of jewellery valued at ₹14 lakh, ₹35,000 in cash, two mobile phones, and approximately 15 cartridges.

Fearing the loss of vital evidence, the petitioner sought a court direction to preserve the police station’s CCTV footage for the detention period. After hearing counsel for the petitioner and the State’s Additional Government Advocate, the Court noted that the matter required serious consideration.

The High Court issued formal notice to opposite parties no. 6 and 7 and granted the State government three weeks to file a counter-affidavit. In a crucial interim order, the Court directed the SP Unnao to immediately conduct an inquiry into the allegations. The SP was specifically instructed to examine and preserve the CCTV footage of Police Station Hasanganj from July 27 to July 30, 2026, and produce it before the Court along with a detailed inquiry report.

"The matter requires consideration," the bench recorded, before issuing the directive.

The Court made it clear that accountability was non-negotiable, stating: "In case any incriminating material is found against any police personnel, appropriate action shall also be taken against such erring police personnel by the Superintendent of Police, Unnao ."

The counter-affidavit must be supported by the personal affidavit of the SP Unnao. The case has been listed for further hearing after compliance.

This order underscores the judiciary's vigilance over police accountability and the critical role of electronic evidence like CCTV footage in upholding citizens' rights against unlawful state action.