Four policemen in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district are under investigation following allegations of custodial torture and police brutality.
The families of four tribal youths from the Naugaon area have accused the police of illegally detaining the young men, thrashing them, and treating them in an “inhumane” way.
The victims, who earn their living by making and selling brooms, were reportedly picked up by Naugaon police on July 15. According to their families, the youths were detained on suspicion of theft while they were on their way to a local housewarming ceremony.
The incident took place near Naugaon’s Disillery Road, where they had stopped briefly to relieve themselves. They were reportedly riding on two motorcycles. One of them, who is physically disabled, was released the same evening, while the other four were kept in custody for four days.
One of the victims, in his complaint, said the police stripped them inside the station and beat them with belts and straps. “They treated us like animals. We kept begging them to stop, but they kept beating us,” he told local reporters.
Outraged by the alleged custodial torture, the victims’ families staged a protest outside the office of Chhatarpur’s Superintendent of Police on Monday. They were joined by members of the Bhim Army, who marched from the local bus stand and staged a four-hour sit-in, demanding suspension of the Naugaon Station House Officer and the other police personnel involved.
Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Amit Meshram said, “A complaint has been submitted by the relatives of the suspects. I have been directed to investigate and have assured all parties that the report will be submitted by tomorrow at noon. Strict and impartial action will be taken if anyone is found guilty.”
