Slap row: Police file NCR against Parvesh Verma; court nod needed for probe

Delhi Police on Monday filed a non-cognisable report (NCR) against Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma for slapping a man during a road inspection in west Delhi, officials said.

The NCR was registered against the PWD minister for voluntarily causing hurt, under Section 115 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), on the basis of a complaint filed by the man, identified as Sahib Singh.

Registering an NCR does not automatically initiate an investigation. A magistrate's order is required for the police to conduct a probe and Police also cannot make an arrest without a warrant.

The incident took place on Sunday when Verma was inspecting road repair work on a stretch of the Outer Ring Road. Singh reportedly pulled out portions of the newly laid surface with his hand to highlight what he claimed was poor construction quality.

A video showing Verma slapping the man circulated widely on social media, escalating the row with opposition parties slamming the ruling BJP.

The incident occurred in the presence of AAP MLA from Tilak Nagar, Jarnail Singh, who was questioning the quality of the newly laid road surface.

The AAP MLA later alleged that the road work being carried out by the Delhi government was of substandard quality and questioned the quality of the construction.

The BJP leader has defended his actions, saying he would not tolerate attempts by AAP workers to obstruct government officials from carrying out their duties.

The Delhi minister also alleged that the man involved in the incident was associated with the AAP and had a previous criminal case against him. Verma has also accused AAP workers of creating a confrontation during the inspection and interfering with government officials.

Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) has filed a police complaint against AAP MLA Jarnail Singh, alleging obstruction of officials in the discharge of their duties.

The complaint was filed by PWD engineers in connection with the events during the road inspection. Police are examining the allegations and are expected to take further action based on the findings of the enquiry.

The PWD officials have alleged that Singh and those accompanying him obstructed government personnel while they were carrying out their official duties.- Ends