In a case that has gripped the city with concern and unanswered questions, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh Police to register an FIR into the disappearance of 21-year-old law intern Hardik Sharma, who went missing under mysterious circumstances on March 17 from the high court premises.
The order was issued by Justice Rajesh Bhardwaj on May 22, following a heartfelt petition filed by Hardik’s father, Inderjeet Kumar, a resident of New Chandigarh and a professional photographer. The court’s intervention came after weeks of minimal progress, during which the family was left in anguish and uncertainty.
The Disappearance: A Young Life Suddenly Vanishes
Hardik, who was undergoing apprenticeship training at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, was last seen on March 17. When he did not return home that day, his father filed a Daily Diary Report (DDR) at Sector 3 police station on March 18. However, despite the report, the investigation appeared to stagnate—until the family approached the high court for justice.
What has made this case even more alarming is the threatening call received by Inderjeet Kumar shortly after Hardik's disappearance. The caller, identifying himself as Sunil Kumar, alleged that Hardik had eloped with his daughter, a girl named Sania, and issued a chilling threat: “I will kill him and drown him in a river.”
Another man, Harvinder Singh alias Harry, reportedly from Sector 127, Mohali, also allegedly threatened Hardik and warned him to stay away from Sania. These alarming statements, along with Hardik’s sudden disappearance, have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the young intern.
Court Steps In: FIR Finally Registered
The High Court’s directive finally led to formal police action. The Chandigarh Police have now registered an FIR, and investigations are expected to intensify in the coming days. This comes as a critical step forward in a case where time is of the essence.
Justice Bhardwaj’s intervention is a reminder of the judiciary’s crucial role in ensuring that every citizen receives protection under the law—especially in cases where bureaucratic inaction delays the pursuit of truth.
Family’s Plea: A Call for Answers
For Hardik’s family, the past two months have been filled with fear, sleepless nights, and a desperate search for answers. Speaking to the media, Inderjeet Kumar has appealed to authorities and the public to help locate his son, and urged those with any information to come forward.
What’s particularly troubling is that Hardik was taken from what should have been a safe environment—the high court premises. This has not only shaken his family but also raised broader concerns about the safety and security of interns, students, and young professionals working in judicial institutions.
The Bigger Picture: When Threats Are Not Taken Seriously
This case also sheds light on how threats of violence are often dismissed or downplayed—until tragedy strikes. If the threats made against Hardik had been taken more seriously from the start, perhaps the investigation would have moved faster.
Moreover, it highlights the emotional and psychological toll on families when police inaction delays justice. The delay in converting a DDR into an FIR has become a common grievance in many missing person cases across India.
What Happens Next?
Now that an FIR has been registered, the pressure is on the Chandigarh Police to act swiftly. Investigations are expected to focus on:
Tracing the caller, Sunil Kumar, and verifying his claims
Questioning Harvinder Singh for his alleged involvement
Reviewing CCTV footage from the high court premises and surrounding areas
Analyzing Hardik’s phone records, social media activity, and recent interactions
It is now crucial for law enforcement to demonstrate transparency and urgency, and to involve cybercrime and technical surveillance teams in the investigation.
Final Thoughts: Hope Must Not Be Lost
Hardik Sharma’s disappearance is a sobering reminder that no place is completely safe—not even the corridors of justice. But it also shows the power of persistence, family love, and judicial oversight in pushing for answers.
As the case unfolds, one can only hope that Hardik is found safe and brought back to his loved ones. Until then, the public must stand in solidarity with the family and keep the pressure on for a thorough and fair investigation.
0 Comments