SHO Pushpendra Bansiwal’s violent attack on Muslim cupboard maker Rizwan for failing to remove a locked bike triggers widespread anger among locals
KOTA, Rajasthan — A disturbing incident of police brutality has come to light from the Kaithunipol area of the Rajasthan city of Kota, where SHO Pushpendra Bansiwal allegedly assaulted a Muslim youth so severely that he lost consciousness on the road. The case has added to growing concerns over increasing violence and discrimination against the Muslim community in the country’s largest minority stronghold.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday (June 29), when the victim Rizwan, a cupboard maker by profession, was asked by the SHO to remove a bike parked outside his shop. Rizwan explained that the bike was not his, but offered to help. However, because the bike was locked, he could not move it. Instead of understanding the situation, SHO Bansiwal allegedly lost his temper, slapped Rizwan publicly, and ordered his police force to beat the man mercilessly.
Rizwan fell unconscious following the brutal assault. According to the victim, the police showed no mercy despite knowing he had recently undergone an ear operation. The violent action left the community shocked and angered.
“I tried to explain to the SHO that the bike was not mine and that it was locked,” Rizwan said from his hospital bed. “Instead of listening, he slapped me and his men beat me badly. I felt helpless and scared. I have always respected the police, but this treatment is unacceptable.”
The video of the incident quickly started circulating on social media, drawing widespread condemnation from citizens and human rights activists who see this as yet another example of targeted harassment of Muslims by law enforcement agencies.
However, SHO Bansiwal dismissed the allegations, claiming the bike was obstructing the area ahead of Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebrations, and accused Rizwan of misbehaving with police officers. “We asked to clear the road for the programme, and Rizwan was being taken to the police station because he misbehaved with us,” the SHO stated.
However, Rizwan has lodged complaints with the National Human Rights Commission and Lokayukta and filed a legal case to seek justice.
Kota’s Superintendent of Police, Dr Amrita Duhan, recognising the severity of the case, has entrusted DSP Rajesh Taylor to conduct a thorough investigation using CCTV footage from the area.
The local Muslim community in Kota is demanding a fair and impartial probe. “This attack on Rizwan is not just an attack on one man; it’s an attack on the whole Muslim community,” said a local resident, requesting anonymity. “We want justice and assurance that such brutality will not happen again.”
This incident comes amid rising concerns about police violence disproportionately affecting minorities, particularly Muslims, who have faced increasing discrimination across several parts of India.
Human rights groups argue that cases like Rizwan’s highlight the urgent need to hold police accountable and protect minority rights.
“When a law enforcement officer resorts to such brutal force over a minor issue, it sends a message of intimidation and fear to the entire community,” said Farhan Khan, a rights activist in Rajasthan. “This is not isolated; it is part of a worrying pattern of targeted abuses against Indian Muslims.”
