Altercation Inside Government Office
A senior Excise Department official was allegedly assaulted inside his office in Ludhiana on Thursday after a man entered the room during an official meeting and got into an argument with him. The accused allegedly abused and pushed the officer before physically attacking him.
According to Additional Excise Commissioner Amit Goyal, he was holding a meeting with department officials when the incident took place. Several liquor contractors were reportedly standing outside the office at the time.
Accused Allegedly Became Aggressive
Goyal said that Pankaj Malhotra entered his office without permission. When the officer questioned him about entering the room, Malhotra allegedly became angry and started speaking in a loud voice.
The officer said he asked him not to use abusive language inside a government and public office. The situation allegedly escalated when Malhotra pushed him and began assaulting him.
Shirt Torn, Official Phone and Spectacles Damaged
The accused allegedly grabbed Goyal by his collar and tore his shirt. He is also accused of punching the officer several times in the chest during the altercation.
Goyal further alleged that his official mobile phone and spectacles were damaged during the assault. He said he was experiencing considerable pain in his chest following the incident.
Officer Raises Questions Over Accused's Conduct
Goyal alleged that Malhotra has previously identified himself as an RTI activist and has allegedly threatened officials and employees of different government departments.
However, the officer said he was unaware of what triggered the accused's sudden anger or why he entered the office and resorted to violence.
Police Arrest Accused, Begin Investigation
Following the incident, Goyal informed Police Station Division No. 5 and submitted a complaint. ASI Purushottam Lal said police had received information about the assault and subsequently arrested the accused after registering a case.
Police are questioning people who were present at the office and examining the circumstances surrounding the altercation. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
