Police officials in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar beat a man accused of killing his live-in-partner at a bus stand after taking him there for a crime-scene reconstruction. The cops defended the action, saying that he deserved it, considering the brutality of the crime.
The incident came to light after a video of the accused, identified as Faizal Lakhani, tied with ropes and dragged around while being hit with a baton went viral on Saturday.
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What’s the case
The accused, identified as Faisal, was in a live-in relationship with Kajalben Baraiya (40) for the past seven years. According to police officials, Faisal suspected Kajalben of having a relationship with Ravi. Ravi, however, told investigators that the dispute was related to alcohol consumption.
On September 3, Kajalben and Faisal had a dispute between each regarding the issue. The matter escalated as Faisal attacked Kajalben at a bus stand. Following this, Kajalben suffered serious injuries and was shifted to the hospital for treatment. On September 4, Kajalben succumbed to her injuries.
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What Did The Police Say?
The reconstruction was carried out by police officials from the Neelambag police station. The accused, Faisal, was taken to the spot where the assault occurred so investigators could recreate the sequence of events and understand how the confrontation unfolded.
However, the police personnel thrashed the accused at the bus stand. Neelambag Police Inspector DP Unadkad is alleged to have participated in the beating. He argued that the accused had openly and brutally assaulted the woman.
Following this incident, people began to question the fact that criminals were fearlessly targeting women while the police were doing nothing. According to the inspector, this action was necessary to maintain the police's credibility in society and send a strong message to criminals.
Action Under Scrutiny
Significantly, in a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) in the Gujarat High Court on some accused persons being beaten in public by a police officer in Surat, the amicus curiae submitted that the state home department had issued a circular on May 7, restricting such conduct.
Actions such as forcing the accused to perform sit-ups or crawl on their knees in public, kicking or beating them with a stick, would invite strict disciplinary action, it said. “Any officer or employee found engaging in such conduct will face strict disciplinary action, and the senior officers of the respective area will be held accountable,” the circular read.