A Muslim woman in Saharanpur has accused local police of illegally detaining her husband, assaulting him, and extorting ₹80,000 for his release. The complainant, Momina, alleged that her husband Arif was picked up from their home despite a court order staying his arrest.
According to her, police personnel arrived late at night on April 6 and forcibly took Arif, who had been named in an old road accident case. “He was kept in the police station overnight, beaten brutally, and released only after we paid ₹80,000,” she claimed.
Claims of Court Order Ignored
Momina said that a petition had been filed in the Allahabad High Court, which had stayed her husband’s arrest. Despite this, she alleged that the police proceeded with the detention, violating the court’s directive.
She further claimed that Arif’s health deteriorated after his release and that he had to be admitted to a hospital, where doctors reportedly found multiple injury marks on his body.
Complaints Filed With Authorities
The woman has submitted formal complaints to senior officials, including the district police chief, and also raised the issue through the state government’s grievance portal. She has demanded strict action against the officers involved.
Police Reject Allegations
However, police officials have denied the accusations. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Mayank Pathak said the claims appear “prima facie false” and that an investigation is underway.
Police stated that they became aware of the allegations through social media posts accusing personnel from the Behat police station of “third-degree torture.”
According to officials, Arif was brought to the police station on April 9 for questioning in connection with the accident case. After interrogation, he was served a notice and handed back to his family, with proper entries made in the official records.
“Photographs taken at the time do not support the allegations,” the officer said, adding that further inquiry is being conducted.
