BJP MLA Raises Alarm Over Alleged Police Brutality During Bokaro Municipal Polls
In a dramatic development at the Jharkhand assembly, BJP MLA from Bokaro, Shwettaa Singh, brought forth serious allegations of police high-handedness during the recent Chas Municipal Corporation elections. The incident, which occurred on Monday during voting, has sparked controversy and demands for accountability.
Allegations of Inhuman Treatment and Torture
Raising the matter with urgency, MLA Shwettaa Singh claimed that former ward councillor Ramashankar Singh and his wife Rekha Devi, who was contesting from Ward 32, were subjected to what she described as "inhuman treatment" and torture by Bokaro police personnel. She asserted that the actions were not only excessive but fundamentally anti-democratic in nature.
"The police cannot act in such inhuman ways," Singh declared emphatically during the assembly session. "If there are legitimate allegations, the judicial system exists to address them properly. Law enforcement agencies must operate within legal boundaries."
Detailed Account of Alleged Police Misconduct
The BJP legislator provided a harrowing account of the incident, alleging that Ramashankar Singh was forcibly taken into custody, physically assaulted, and treated "like a criminal" despite having no prior complaints or criminal record against him. She emphasized that such treatment of citizens, particularly during democratic exercises like elections, sets a dangerous precedent.
Singh further claimed to have personally reviewed video evidence showing Ramashankar Singh appearing unable to walk properly, with torn clothing and visible signs of injuries. Based on this evidence, she announced her intention to pursue legal recourse, stating unequivocally that misuse of uniformed authority would not be tolerated.
Demand for Comprehensive Investigation
The MLA made several specific demands to address what she characterized as a grave violation of democratic principles:
- Immediate initiation of a high-level independent probe into the incident
- Forensic examination of all available CCTV footage from polling stations
- Analysis of drone footage captured during the election process
- Accountability for police personnel involved in the alleged misconduct
Police Version of Events
Bokaro Superintendent of Police Harvinder Singh presented a contrasting account of the incident. According to the police version, Ramashankar Singh attempted to disrupt the polling process and challenged lawful authority during the municipal elections.
"Preliminary findings indicate that the candidate and her husband attempted to disrupt polling activities and assaulted an officer performing official duties," stated SP Harvinder Singh. "Following a preliminary inquiry, we have registered an FIR against Ramashankar Singh based on these findings."
Broader Implications for Democratic Processes
This incident raises significant questions about police conduct during electoral processes and the protection of citizens' rights. The conflicting narratives between the elected representative and law enforcement highlight the need for transparent investigation mechanisms, particularly during sensitive democratic exercises like municipal elections.
The Chas Municipal Corporation elections, meant to be a celebration of local democracy, have instead become mired in controversy with allegations of excessive force and violations of due process. As the matter progresses, it will test institutional accountability and the balance between maintaining law and order during elections while respecting citizens' fundamental rights.
