A VIOLATION OF POLICE ACTS

It is with deep sadness that I reflect on the conduct of certain officers of the Bangalore Police. My experience began when I visited the police station to report a case involving a violation of rights. After waiting for hours in the reception area, I was finally called in to meet the inspector on duty.

         During our interaction, the inspector asked me to hand over the bag I carried, which contained sensitive personal and professional documents. Without my explicit consent, he took the bag and went through it. This act deeply concerned me, as no police officer has the right to seize or examine a citizen’s or individual personal documents without lawful authority or the individual’s consent.

         Under the Indian Police Act, 1861, and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, such conduct constitutes a breach of procedure and personal liberty. Specifically:

           Section 51 of the CrPC allows a police officer to search a person only upon lawful arrest and with reasons recorded.

          Section 102 of the CrPC permits police to seize property only if it is connected with a suspected offence and requires proper documentation and acknowledgment.

          Moreover, Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty; meaning no person can be deprived of their dignity or privacy except by due process of law.

            The inspector’s actions, therefore, were a clear violation of both the procedural safeguards and my constitutional rights. Unfortunately, this experience is not isolated. Several regional and foreign individuals have shared similar stories of being mistreated or disrespected at the same police station.

           As I write this, I am still waiting for the safe return of my medical documents, professional certificates, and licenses; all of which were taken without proper justification. My case remains unresolved, my report unattended.

          This experience has reminded me of the dual nature of life in India moments of kindness and humanity balanced by instances of neglect and abuse of power. We must remember that "law enforcement is meant to protect, not intimidate."

"Until proper accountability is established, the call for justice continues."

Abubakar Abubakar ✍🏼

29/10/2025