A police response vehicle (PRV) team in Agra district faced a violent assault from villagers in Nurpur, leading to significant damage to the official vehicle and injuries to personnel. The incident, which unfolded on Friday evening, resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the suspension of two policemen accused of being under the influence of alcohol while on duty.
How a Village Dispute Escalated into Police Violence
The chain of events began with a dispute between two local individuals, identified as Rajkumar and Gangasharan, in Nurpur village under the Hathras police area. What started as an argument soon spiraled into a physical confrontation between their respective groups. Seeking intervention, Rajkumar dialed the emergency police helpline 112, prompting the dispatch of a PRV team to the scene.
The dispatched team comprised PRV commander and head constable Shyamveer Singh, constable Arvind Kumar, and home guard Sanjay. However, by the time they reached the village location, a sizable and agitated crowd had already gathered. Police officials stated that the situation turned hostile during the team's attempt to question those involved.
Allegations of Intoxication and Mob Fury
The confrontation took a severe turn when villagers allegedly accused the policemen of being drunk. Enraged by this claim, the mob reportedly assaulted the officers, tore their uniforms, and launched a vicious attack on the police vehicle. The assailants pelted stones and struck the PRV with sticks, causing substantial damage.
Fearing for their lives, the three-member police team was forced to lock themselves inside their vehicle for protection. They eventually managed to escape from the spot and alerted their senior officers about the attack. By the time additional police force from surrounding stations arrived in Nurpur village, the attackers had fled the scene.
Suspensions and Legal Action Follow the Incident
Following the violent episode, Superintendent of Police Chiranjeev Nath Sinha ordered a formal inquiry into the matter. The probe led to the immediate suspension of head constable Shyamveer Singh and constable Arvind Kumar based on the serious allegations of them being intoxicated while performing official duties.
On the legal front, an FIR was registered based on the complaint filed by the PRV commander. The case includes charges under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections:
- BNS 324 (4) for committing mischief.
- BNS 132 for assault or using criminal force against a public servant.
- BNS 121 for voluntarily causing hurt.
Police have so far arrested four people in connection with the attack on the police team and the vandalism of the government vehicle. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the mob violence.
