Cops torture man in illegal custody, nailed

Lily

B.R
Staff member
Jalandhar October 29:

Cops torturing a man in illegal custody in Bhogpur police station in Jalandhar to settle a personal score were well and properly nailed.

An MMS showing the merciless thrashing of a man by a cop, with another one assisting him even as the third one watches, is not only doing the rounds, but was also published in a local daily. Hours after it came to light an embarrassed police brass suspended two cops, assistant sub-inspector Avtar Singh and head constable Jagir Singh, and recommended action against home guard constable Harjinder Singh.

However, till Thursday night the senior officials did not disclose the identity of the victim and the reason why he was subjected to the cruel treatment. Attempts to get in touch with senior cops failed as they avoided all phone calls. Subordinate staff feigned ignorance about the whereabouts of the victim or his identity. As for police, they have decided to first check the video clip, which clearly shows third degree treatment being meted out to a man lying on the floor, for its authenticity before taking any further action.

Inspector general of police (IGP), Jalandhar, RP Mittal, said an inquiry has been ordered. "We want to procure the MMS for establishing the authenticity of the clipping. DIG, Jalandhar, Varinder Kumar has been instructed to personally monitor the investigation and submit the report within a week", he said. Sources said that top brass is desperately trying to find out who captured the whole sequence and how, exposing the three khaki men. In fact this is the third case in the recent past that Jalandhar (rural) police has come under scanner for human rights violations.

Farmers and farm labourers' organizations are already demanding action against cops, who resorted to lathi charge without any magisterial orders on protesters in Kartarpur on September 18 when they were resisting disconnection of their power supply by PSEB officials. On September 12, district police resorted to lathi charge on ETT teachers, including women, who were going to gherao rural development minister Ranjit Singh Brahmpura's residence.

 
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