Four UP Police Personnel Face Action Over Custodial Assault Allegations in Ambedkarnagar
In a significant development highlighting concerns over police conduct, four police personnel posted at Jalalpur Kotwali in Ambedkarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, have been sent to lines and are facing departmental action. This action follows serious allegations of assault during custodial questioning, raising questions about law enforcement accountability in the region.
Complaint Leads to Swift Police Response
The disciplinary measures were initiated by the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) after a formal complaint was lodged by Mansaram, a resident of Bada village. According to the complaint, Mansaram's children were accused in a case involving the alleged harassment of a girl, prompting the police to register a First Information Report (FIR). As part of the investigation, Mansaram was brought to Jalalpur Kotwali for questioning, where the alleged incident occurred.
Allegations of Physical Assault During Interrogation
Mansaram has alleged that during his interrogation, Sub-Inspector Shailendra Chaudhary and constables Angad Maurya, Sanjeev Singh, and Dhirendra Kumar physically assaulted him. Following this alleged assault, Mansaram underwent a medical examination at Jalalpur Nagpur Hospital. The medical report documented injuries that were stated to be approximately two days old, lending some credence to his claims.
Senior Officers Intervene After Complaint
Subsequent to the medical examination, Mansaram approached senior police officers to report the incident, which prompted an immediate inquiry into the matter. The swift action by the ASP to send the four personnel to lines and initiate departmental proceedings underscores the seriousness with which the allegations are being treated by the police hierarchy.
Police Deny Allegations, Cite Old Injuries
In response to the allegations, Jalalpur Kotwali in-charge Santosh Kumar Singh has denied any wrongdoing by the police personnel. Singh stated that no force was used against Mansaram during the questioning and asserted that the injuries mentioned in the medical report were old and unrelated to any police action. This denial sets up a contentious dispute between the complainant and the police authorities.
Broader Implications for Police Accountability
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about custodial violence and police misconduct in Uttar Pradesh. The departmental action against the four personnel, including an SI and three constables, serves as a reminder of the need for strict adherence to legal protocols during investigations. It also emphasizes the importance of robust complaint mechanisms to address grievances against law enforcement agencies.
The case continues to unfold as further investigations may determine the veracity of the allegations and the appropriate disciplinary outcomes for the involved officers.
