Even as the first case involving Phillaur SHO Bhushan Kumar, in which an audio had gone viral (where SHO Kumar could be heard using derogatory language and making advances towards victim’s mother) and alleged mishandling of a minor’s rape case remain unresolved, another woman has come forward with an audio clip reportedly featuring the SHO in objectionable conversations. Late Tuesday night, a formal FIR was lodged against him, and a departmental investigation is now underway.
Jalandhar Rural SSP Harvinder Singh Virk confirmed that the case was filed under Sections 504 CrPC, 334 (14-10-2025), 75(1) BNS, 67(D) of the Police Act, and 67 of the IT Act. “An inquiry has been initiated, and all digital and CCTV evidence will be examined to ensure a fair investigation,” he added. When contacted, SHO Bhushan Kumar refused to comment on the allegations, saying he did not wish to make any statement at this stage.
The issue had earlier reached the Punjab State Women Commission after its Chairperson; Raj Lali Gill took notice of the viral audio and media reports and directed the SSP to take action against the officer. On October 13, both parties appeared before the Commission in Chandigarh, where Bhushan Kumar was accompanied by DSP level rank officer.
During the hearing, the Women’s Commission examined the evidence, including the audio clips submitted by the complainants. The Chairperson reportedly reprimanded the SHO, saying that any form of exploitation of women under the protection of uniform would not be tolerated. She made it clear that strict action would be taken if the allegations were proven.
Raj Lali also reminded police officials that all interactions with women complainants should take place in front of CCTV cameras, as per established protocol. The Commission has sought CCTV footage from the Phillaur police station to verify the SHO’s version of events.
Sources said the complainants submitted recordings to the Commission, which were found to contain highly objectionable material. After listening to them, the Chairperson directed the police to produce all CCTV footage of interactions between the SHO and the complainants to determine whether his claim of a “compromise discussion” in a rape case held any truth.
During the hearing, the SHO maintained that the conversations were related to negotiations between both parties in a rape case, which caused a delay in filing the FIR.
Unimpressed by the explanation, the Women’s Commission instructed the police to attach the CCTV footage with the inquiry report and warned that no statement would be accepted without visual proof. “Once the footage is reviewed, the facts will be clear,” she said, adding that the absence of footage would weaken the officer’s defence.
SSP Virk confirmed that a departmental inquiry has been initiated against Bhushan Kumar and others linked to the matter. “The report is being compiled and will include CCTV footage and other relevant digital evidence,” he said.
