A video of his injuries went viral on social media, prompting outrage within the Dalit community.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Three Uttar Pradesh policemen have been suspended after allegations of torturing a Dalit man over a domestic dispute were levelled against them.
Rishipal, a resident of Bhawarki Jadid village in the Dakiya Chowki area of the state’s Shahabad, alleged that the police tortured him over a domestic dispute. The police detained him and subjected him to beatings and throwing casteist slurs at him. Following protests and uproar, a case was filed against the three who have now been suspended.
Media reports reaching here on Tuesday said Rishipal had an argument with his wife over a trivial issue on July 20. Rishipal’s wife filed a complaint against him at Dhakia Chowki. “Around 5 pm, Constables Jaidev Singh and Amit Kumar came to my house and took me to the police station,” media reports quoted Rishipal as saying.
He alleged that around 1 am, the inebriated policemen asked about his caste and then proceeded to use casteist slurs while beating him brutally with fists and sticks. He said: “They injured my private parts, and I fainted in the chowki. When I regained consciousness, they forced me to massage their hands and feet throughout the night,” he said.
The police released Rishipal the following morning, who then showed his injuries to his wife. The incident quickly spread, and a video of his injuries went viral on social media, prompting outrage within the Dalit community.
Dalit community members gathered in protest outside the CO office, demanding justice. CO Sangam Kumar stated, “We have conducted a medical examination of the victim, confirming injuries. A report against the constables has been filed, and we have suspended Chowki In-charge Ashok Kumar, Constable Jaidev, and Amit with immediate effect.”
Bhim Army District President Sunil Sagar and other activists condemned the incident and demanded strict action against the guilty police officers. “We will not tolerate such brutality and caste-based discrimination,” Sagar stated. Other community leaders, including Rajat Kumar, Surendra Singh Sagar, and Rajkumar Sagar, also called for justice.
The constables involved have been suspended, and an investigation is underway, reports quoted Superintendent of Police (SP) Vidya Sagar Mishra as saying.
