In a significant development highlighting alleged police brutality, a sub-inspector and two constables from Jhansi district have been formally booked for the custodial torture of a man accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The action was initiated on the direct order of Special POCSO Court Judge Mohd Niyaz Ahmad Ansari.
Officials and Charges
The accused police personnel are Sub-Inspector Ashok Kumar, Constable Akash Singh, and Constable Priti Vishwkarma, all posted at the Kakarbai police station. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against them at the Nawabad police station. They face charges under sections 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt and 117(2) for voluntarily causing grievous hurt of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The complaint also names a few unidentified individuals.
Background of the Case and Arrest
The victim, identified as Lokpal Singh from Panna in Madhya Pradesh, was accused of eloping with a minor girl. Following this, a case was lodged against him at the Kakarbai police station under relevant sections of the BNS and the stringent POCSO Act. A police team, which included the three now-accused officials, traveled to Delhi and arrested Lokpal Singh on November 16. Reports indicate that members of the girl's family were also present at the time of the arrest.
Alleged Torture and Contradictory Claims
The crux of the allegation is that during the journey back from Delhi to Jhansi, Lokpal Singh was subjected to severe physical assault. It is claimed that he was beaten by the police officials and the girl's family members. The alleged torture resulted in 23 deep wounds, a fractured pelvis, and two broken teeth.
However, the police presented a contradictory version of events. They claimed that the injuries were sustained when their vehicle was hit by a speeding truck. This explanation was challenged in court.
Court Scrutiny and Order for Medical Panel
Special Government POCSO Prosecutor Vijay Kushwaha pointed out the inconsistencies in the police's story. He argued that the police were unable to satisfactorily explain the sequence of events or clarify how the personnel themselves escaped unhurt while the accused sustained such extensive injuries.
Taking a serious view of the matter, Judge Ansari found the police's account lacking credibility. The court has now ordered a thorough medical examination of the victim by a panel of doctors to ascertain the true nature and cause of the injuries. This directive aims to bring clarity and ensure a fair investigation into the serious allegations of third-degree torture in police custody.
