In a fresh case of alleged police inaction, villagers in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district staged a protest on Thursday, demanding justice for a youth who was allegedly abducted and tortured by a group of men. The incident has sparked outrage among the local community, who accuse the police of failing to take timely action against the accused.
Details of the Incident
The victim, identified as 22-year-old Rahul Kumar, a resident of village Dharampur, was reportedly abducted on the night of March 15 by four men from a nearby village. According to the family, Rahul was taken to an isolated location where he was brutally beaten and tortured for several hours. He was later found unconscious near a roadside and was rushed to a hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Family Alleges Police Negligence
Rahul's father, Ram Singh, alleged that when they approached the local police station to file a complaint, the police refused to register an FIR and instead asked them to settle the matter out of court. "The police did not take our complaint seriously. They kept delaying the process, and when we insisted, they threatened to implicate us in a false case," Singh said. The family claims that the accused have political connections and are influential in the area.
Villagers Take to Streets
On Thursday morning, around 200 villagers gathered outside the police station, holding placards and shouting slogans against the police administration. They blocked the main road for about two hours, causing traffic disruptions. The protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and the suspension of the local police officials for dereliction of duty.
Police Response
Superintendent of Police, Mandi, Shalini Agnihotri, reached the spot and assured the protesters of a fair investigation. She said that a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the accused would be arrested soon. "We have taken the matter seriously. A special investigation team has been formed to probe the incident, and strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty," she told the media.
Political Reactions
The incident has also drawn reactions from political parties. Local Congress leaders extended support to the family and accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has promised a thorough inquiry into the matter.
Community Demands
The villagers have submitted a memorandum to the district administration, listing their demands, which include: immediate arrest of all accused, compensation for the victim's family, and transfer of the local police station in-charge. They have warned of an indefinite blockade if their demands are not met within 48 hours.
As the investigation continues, the victim remains in hospital, and his family awaits justice. The case highlights the growing concern over police accountability and the need for swift action in cases of violent crimes.
