Granddaughter of Late Chambal Rebel Paan Singh Tomar Booked for Assaulting Power Department Engineer During Smart Meter Installation Drive
In a case that has attracted considerable public and media attention due to its unusual connection to a historical figure, Sapna Tomar, the alleged granddaughter of the infamous Chambal rebel Paan Singh Tomar, has been booked for assault and for allegedly obstructing a government official from performing his duties.
The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Punjabi Colony locality, where a team from the rural power distribution division had been dispatched to carry out an official government initiative — the installation of smart electricity meters in residential homes.
The installation was part of the state’s ongoing push to modernize power infrastructure, improve billing accuracy, and reduce power theft.
According to Station House Officer (SHO) Tulsi Ram Pandey of Babina Police Station, the team of engineers, led by Junior Engineer Vaibhav Rawat, arrived in the colony and began replacing old meters with new smart meters as per their schedule.
However, trouble arose when the team reached the residence of ex-serviceman Shivram Singh Tomar. At that point, his teenage daughter, Sapna Tomar, reportedly objected to the meter replacement at their home.
Physical Confrontation Erupts
What began as a verbal disagreement allegedly escalated into a physical altercation. Police reports state that Sapna physically manhandled Junior Engineer Vaibhav Rawat, thereby disrupting the ongoing government work and violating legal provisions that protect public servants from interference while performing official duties.
The matter took a more serious turn when a video of the confrontation surfaced online.
The footage, which was reportedly recorded and circulated by a staff member of the power department, quickly spread on social media.
In the video, Sapna is allegedly seen grabbing and shoving the junior engineer, prompting sharp reactions from viewers and further intensifying interest in the case.
FIR Registered, Investigation Underway
Based on the complaint filed by the affected engineer and the video evidence submitted, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Sapna Tomar under sections relating to assault and obstruction of a public servant under the Indian Penal Code.
Law enforcement authorities have initiated a formal investigation, stating that appropriate action will be taken following the collection of all relevant evidence and witness testimonies.
Historical Connection Fuels Public Curiosity
Adding a dramatic twist to the incident is the fact that Sapna is believed to be the granddaughter of Paan Singh Tomar, a former national steeplechase champion and Indian Army soldier, who later became a notorious dacoit in the Chambal ravines.
His life and transformation from a decorated athlete to a feared rebel were immortalized in the 2012 Bollywood biopic “Paan Singh Tomar”, starring Irrfan Khan.
The film portrayed the injustice and personal tragedy that drove Tomar to abandon his military background and pick up arms. He was ultimately killed in a police encounter in Morena district in the early 1980s.
This generational link to a well-known historical and cinematic figure has only added to the media attention and public interest surrounding the current incident, especially in local communities and among political observers.
Authorities Urge Calm
SHO Tulsi Ram Pandey has appealed to the public to refrain from drawing conclusions based solely on the viral video and assured that the investigation will proceed fairly and transparently.
He added that both the allegations and the context of the altercation would be examined thoroughly before any further legal steps are taken.
Officials from the power department have also condemned the incident, stating that their personnel must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear or intimidation, especially when implementing state-backed infrastructure projects intended to improve public services.
As the investigation unfolds, many are watching closely — not only because of the legal proceedings but also due to the larger story of how the legacy of a rebel figure from India’s past continues to echo in unexpected ways in the present.
