Pilibhit: Leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), Congress, and Samajwadi Party on Saturday condemned the alleged police action against villagers protesting the opening of two liquor shops in Bundibhur village. They demanded the withdrawal of the First Information Report (FIR) lodged against 58 individuals, including 29 women.
Memorandum submitted to authorities
In a memorandum submitted to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, the political parties sought action against officials responsible for the alleged lathi charge. They also demanded the removal of the liquor shops, claiming they were opened near a temple and a school.
Allegations by a minor student
Sheetal, a 16-year-old Class 10 student who participated in Thursday’s protest, alleged in a complaint to Superintendent of Police Sukirti Madhav that revenue and excise officials tore the clothes of her and her mother, Reema Devi, during the lathi charge. She alleged that women were assaulted after objecting to villagers consuming liquor in front of police personnel.
She also claimed that women and schoolgirls use the same route where the shops have been opened and fear harassment by drunk persons. According to her complaint, injured women were not provided medical treatment and had to travel to a government hospital in Khatema, Uttarakhand, on their own. Several injured women, she alleged, belonged to the Scheduled Caste community.
Police response
Superintendent of Police Sukirti Madhav said the allegations would be examined. “Arrests in the case registered against 58 people for allegedly assaulting police and officials will be made based on evidence to ensure transparency,” he said.
Women stopped at border
Police also stopped more than 100 women near the Pilibhit-Uttarakhand border on Saturday while they were travelling in two buses to meet the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police.
About the Author: Keshav Agarwal has been with The Times of India since June 1, 2014, currently posted in Pilibhit. He specializes in reporting on forest and wildlife, environment, water resources, agriculture, and the sugar and ethanol industries. He also covers a broad range of other topics, including health and medicine, education, development, and crime.
