A 45-year-old man in Delhi alleges he was brutally tortured by police for hours on suspicion of stealing a purse, leading to the suspension of one officer and a vigilance inquiry. Bhola Mehto, who has worked at New Krishna Market for 25 years, said his ordeal began last Tuesday when two women accused him of stealing their purse.
Alleged Torture at Police Booth and Station
According to Mehto, the women visited the shop where he works around 3:30 pm and left shortly after. They returned nearly two hours later and accused him of theft. Mehto voluntarily accompanied the police, believing he would be cleared after questioning. Instead, he claims he was first thrashed at a police booth inside the market and later taken to Kotwali police station.
Mehto stated that two individuals were present during the beating, one in plain clothes, along with the accusing women. He alleged he was repeatedly struck with a stick, particularly on his knees and back, leaving him bruised and in severe pain even days later. “I even fell at their feet. The way they beat me was as though I was a hardened criminal or a terrorist,” Mehto recalled.
Employer Expresses Shock
Mehto’s employer said they believed cooperating with police would quickly resolve the matter. “We thought they would let him go after questioning. We couldn’t imagine that something like this would happen,” the employer said, adding that Mehto was released around 9:30 pm.
Police Action: Suspension and Inquiry
A senior police officer confirmed that the policeman involved, identified as Keshav, has been suspended and sent to district lines. A vigilance inquiry has been ordered. “He has been suspended, and strict action will be taken based on the outcome of the inquiry,” the officer said. The other person, Vinod, who was known to Keshav, is not a police officer.
Mehto’s Pleas Ignored
Mehto told TOI that his repeated pleas of innocence fell on deaf ears during the alleged torture. The incident has raised concerns about police conduct and accountability in the capital.
