A Dalit journalist from Bazpur in Udham Singh Nagar district has accused local police of custodial torture, caste-based abuse, and illegal demolition of his property, claims that police officials have strongly denied.
Vimal Bharti, also known as Goldy Nirbhik, a resident of Keshowala village, said he has worked as an independent journalist for over 13 years, reporting on alleged administrative irregularities. He told reporters that the trouble began after he published a report on November 11 questioning repeated postings of certain police officials at Bazpur police station.
“I had written to the President of India, the Union Home Ministry, the Uttarakhand CM, the governor, and the DGP on November 12, fearing a false case might be filed against me,” Bharti said. He alleged that the very next day, a police team accompanied by PWD assistant engineer Neha Sharma and a JCB machine arrived at his house and demolished a structure, citing encroachment. “I asked for time to remove it myself, but was denied. While I recorded the demolition on my phone, police snatched it and took me into custody like a terrorist,” he claimed.
Read More: Assistant Teacher Zafar Ali Suspended in Meerut Over Alleged Electoral Irregularities: Dalit Journalist Alleges Custodial Torture and Illegal Demolition in Uttarakhand, Police Deny ChargesBharti said the police registered a case against him under Sections 132, 221, and 351(2) of the BNS, 2023, based on the complaint by the PWD official. He further alleged that he was detained without notice under Section 41A and later taken to the Bannakhera outpost lock-up.
Speaking about his experience in custody, Bharti said, “I was beaten, stripped, abused with casteist slurs, forced to drink water from a shoe, and made to give my mobile and email passwords. They accessed my professional accounts and deleted my work.” He added that he filed complaints with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the National Human Rights Commission, and senior state authorities on December 15, and later moved the High Court on December 25. He claims notices were issued in January 2026, but no action has been taken so far.
Bazpur Circle Officer Vibhav Saini, however, strongly denied the allegations. “These claims appear to be an attempt to pressure the police. The FIR was lodged based on a written complaint by the PWD assistant engineer. Police were present only to maintain law and order during the official demolition drive. At no point did the police exceed their legal authority. All procedures were followed,” he said. Saini added that the investigation has now been transferred to officers from another district to ensure transparency.
