A family of Indian Army veterans, including a Kargil War hero, has alleged harassment by the Pune police and unidentified men, who stormed their Chandannagar residence around 11:30 pm on July 26, demanding proof of citizenship.
Hakimuddin Shaikh (58), a retired Naik Havildar who served in the Kargil War, said the incident left the family deeply shaken. “We are all Indian citizens. I gave 16 years to the Army. Why are we being treated like outsiders?” he questioned. Two of his uncles also fought in the 1965 and 1971 wars.
The family, originally from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, settled in Pune in 1960. Relatives, including women and children, were allegedly abused and threatened during the raid. Aadhaar cards and other documents were dismissed as fake by the group, described as behaving like a mob, some even kicking doors and yelling slogans.
Despite producing documentation, the men were taken to the Chandannagar police station around midnight and told to wait until 3 am, allegedly warned they would be labelled illegal immigrants if they failed to comply.
Police claim the visit was based on reports of Bangladeshi nationals in the area. DCP Somay Munde denied any mob involvement, stating only police officers were present and video proof exists. However, the family insists otherwise, saying police were accompanied by 30-40 outsiders.
Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has ordered a probe, promising action if negligence is found. The family’s documents remain with the police, and they await answers.