An alleged case of police brutality has triggered outrage in Punjab after a Dalit woman was reportedly beaten and dragged out of her home by a police officer in Jalandhar. The incident, captured on CCTV and widely circulated on social media, has led to protests by political leaders and demands for strict action against the accused officer.
CCTV Footage Shows Assault by Police
The incident took place around 7 am in the Bhargo Camp area under the jurisdiction of Bhargo Police Station. According to reports, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) allegedly thrashed Mamta Bhagat, a widow, and dragged her onto the street by her hair while attempting to detain her sons.
The viral CCTV footage shows police personnel assaulting young men on the road, while the woman is seen trying to intervene before being attacked herself. The visuals have intensified public anger, with many questioning the conduct of the police.
Victim Alleges Brutality and Misconduct
Mamta Bhagat said she was only trying to protect her son when the officer turned violent. “The ASI crossed all limits. When he came, there was no woman police personnel with him. I tried to talk to him, but instead he grabbed me by my hair,” she alleged.
She added that her sons were asleep when the police arrived and claimed the situation escalated unnecessarily. “I went to the police station a day earlier to report a family dispute, but the inquiry officer was not present,” she said, explaining the background of the मामला.
The woman further stated that even neighbours tried to intervene and offered to bring her son to the police station, but the police allegedly ignored their requests. She sustained injuries during the incident and had to get her forehead bandaged.
Family Dispute Triggered Police Action
According to Mamta, the police action was linked to a domestic dispute involving her elder son and his wife. She said her son had brought their daughter home, which she later sent back to her daughter-in-law. However, despite her attempt to resolve the matter, police allegedly arrived and resorted to force.
Political Leaders Stage Protest
The incident quickly took a political turn as leaders from multiple parties gathered in support of the victim. Among those who protested were Sheetal Angural and Surinder Kaur, along with other local representatives.
They staged a dharna at Bhargo Camp Chowk and later accompanied the victim to the police station, demanding immediate action against the accused officer.
Sheetal Angural said, “We will not relent till the victim gets justice. We have been told that action is being considered against the ASI concerned.”
Complaint to State Commissions Planned
Protesting leaders have announced that they will escalate the matter by filing complaints with the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Punjab State Women Commission.
They have demanded an impartial inquiry and strict punishment for those responsible, calling the incident an example of misuse of power and caste-based injustice.
