Citizen Action Party demands disciplinary action against Melli SHO for alleged political bias

The Citizen Action Party - Sikkim (CAP-Sikkim) has raised serious concerns over the conduct of the Station House Officer (SHO) of Melli Police Station, Mr. Kishore Kumar Chettri. In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Sikkim, CAP President Ganesh K. Rai has demanded immediate disciplinary action against the officer, accusing him of violating the principles of impartiality expected from public servants.

According to the party, SHO Chettri expressed open support on Facebook for Mr. Lakpa Moktan, the Youth President of the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party. CAP alleges that this expression of support came soon after a life-threatening attack on its leaders at the Sadar Police Station premises in Gangtok, where the party believes Mr. Moktan had indirect involvement.

"How can a police officer be expected to uphold law and order if he publicly sides with a political figure whose name has surfaced in incidents of violence?" the letter questioned.

CAP has pointed out that this is not the first time Chettri has shown support for the ruling party. They claim his social media activity consistently leans in favor of SKM, with multiple posts praising party leaders. “Lesser a policeman, he looks more like a party worker,” Rai wrote in the letter.

The party also expressed worry over the sensitive location of Melli, a border town, saying that the SHO’s political leanings risk public confidence in law enforcement. They alleged that opposition party members are being mistreated at the Melli Police Station under his leadership.

The CAP has urged the Chief Secretary to act as per Rule 21 of the Sikkim Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1981, and the circular issued on July 16, 2025, which emphasizes integrity and neutrality among government servants. The party has also attached what they claim is “proof” of Chettri’s misconduct along with their complaint.

Meanwhile, the Facebook post in question shows Chettri standing with Mr. Lakpa Moktan and others, calling him “a symbol of kindness” and “a mentor to Sikkim’s youth.” In the post, Chettri dismissed the allegations against Moktan as “unfounded and baseless” and said Moktan’s years of quiet service should not be overshadowed by rumor and politics.