Dalit Journalist Alleges Custodial Torture and Caste Abuse by Uttarakhand Police
In a disturbing case from Uttarakhand, a Dalit journalist from the Bazpur area in Udham Singh Nagar district has leveled serious allegations against the police, including custodial torture, caste-based abuse, illegal demolition, and misuse of legal provisions. The journalist, Vimal Bharti, also known as Goldy Nirbhik, resides in Keshowala village and claims to have worked as an independent journalist for 13 to 14 years, focusing on reporting alleged administrative irregularities.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict reportedly began after Bharti published a report on November 11, questioning the repeated postings of certain police officials at the Bazpur police station. Following this, on November 12, Bharti wrote to several high-ranking authorities, including the President of India, the Union Home Ministry, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister, the Governor, and the Director General of Police. In his letters, he expressed apprehension that a false case might be lodged against him in retaliation for his reporting.
Allegations of Illegal Demolition and Custody
Bharti alleges that the next day, on November 13, a police team accompanied by PWD Assistant Engineer Neha Sharma and a JCB machine arrived at his house. They demolished a structure, citing encroachment, despite Bharti's request for time to remove it himself. During the incident, Bharti claims his phone was snatched by police while he was recording the demolition, and he was taken into custody "like a terrorist."
Police subsequently registered a case against Bharti under Sections 132, 221, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, based on a complaint by the PWD official. Bharti alleges he was detained without notice under Section 41A and later shifted to the Bannakhera outpost lock-up.
Claims of Custodial Torture and Caste Abuse
In his detailed allegations, Bharti asserts that he was subjected to severe custodial torture. He claims he was beaten, stripped, and abused with casteist slurs. Additionally, he alleges he was forced to drink water from a shoe and compelled to disclose his mobile and email passwords. Following this, his professional digital accounts were accessed and deleted, according to his statements.
Legal Actions and Official Denials
In response to these incidents, Bharti filed complaints with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the National Human Rights Commission, and senior state authorities on December 15. He later moved the High Court on December 25. Bharti claims that notices were issued in January 2026, but no significant action has followed so far.
However, officials have strongly denied all allegations. Bazpur Circle Officer Vibhav Saini stated that the claims are an attempt to exert pressure on the police. He explained that the FIR was lodged based on a written complaint by the PWD Assistant Engineer and that police were present only to maintain law and order during an official demolition drive. Saini emphasized, "At no point did the police exceed their legal authority. All procedures were followed." To ensure transparency, the investigation has been transferred to officers from another district.
Broader Implications
This case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct, caste discrimination, and press freedom in India. As the allegations and denials unfold, it underscores the need for thorough and impartial investigations to uphold justice and protect the rights of marginalized communities and journalists.
