Rishipal, a resident of Bhawarki Jadid village in the Dakiya Chowki area of Uttar Pradesh’s Shahabad, alleges that he was tortured by the police over a domestic dispute. The police detained him and subjected him to beatings and casteist slurs. Following protests and uproar, a case was filed against two policemen, who, along with the chowki in-charge, have been suspended.
Rishipal recounted the events, saying, “On July 20, I had an argument with my wife, who then went to Dhakia Chowki to file a complaint. Around 5 PM, Constables Jaidev Singh and Amit Kumar came to my house and took me to the police station.”
He alleges that around 1 AM, the officers, under the influence of alcohol, asked about his caste and then proceeded to use casteist slurs while beating him brutally with fists, kicks, and sticks. He said, “They injured my private parts, and I fainted in the chowki. When I regained consciousness, they forced me to massage their hands and feet throughout the night.”
The following morning, the police released Rishipal, who then showed his injuries to his wife. The incident quickly spread, and a video of his injuries went viral on social media, prompting outrage within the Dalit community.
Dalit community members gathered in protest outside the CO office, demanding justice. CO Sangam Kumar stated, “We have conducted a medical examination of the victim, confirming injuries. A report against the constables has been filed, and we have suspended Chowki In-charge Ashok Kumar, Constable Jaidev, and Amit with immediate effect.”
This incident echoes a similar case from twenty years ago, where Dhakia Chowki In-charge PD Ratnakar was suspended and later jailed for torturing a man named Pappu, who died from the abuse.
Bhim Army District President Sunil Sagar, along with other activists, condemned the incident and demanded strict action against the police officers involved. “We will not tolerate such brutality and caste-based discrimination,” Sagar stated. Other community leaders, including Rajat Kumar, Surendra Singh Sagar, and Rajkumar Sagar, also called for justice.
SP Vidya Sagar Mishra said, “The constables involved have been suspended, and an investigation is underway.”
