Dalit youths allege illegal detention and custodial torture by cops in MP
The victims, residents of the Kanjadpur Dharampura area, stated they were returning from a housewarming ceremony on July 15 when they stopped to urinate by the roadside. A Dial-100 police vehicle allegedly picked them up without explanation. One youth, who is disabled, was released, while the remaining four were taken to the police station, hung upside down, beaten with belts, and tortured.
Police had previously claimed to have arrested five individuals for stealing transformer oil.
The incident prompted protests by Bhim Army workers and the victims' families, who marched to the SP office demanding action under the SC/ST Act and the suspension of the accused policemen. A sit-in was held outside the SP office, where authorities responded by locking the gates and cutting power to the premises.
DIG Lalit Shakyawar later visited the site and assured that a medical examination would be conducted and action taken after investigation.
Three of the victims have since undergone medical tests.
"We have asked a senior officer to investigate the matter. CCTV footage from inside the police station is being examined," said Chhatarpur SP Agam Jain.
Families also alleged that one of the five detained youths is missing and feared he may have died in custody. A victim's father-in-law further accused the police of threatening him with arrest and eviction from govt land if the protest continued.
Former Congress MLA Neeraj Dixit also visited the protest site and demanded justice. A heavy police force from multiple stations was deployed. Investigations are currently underway.
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