A video clip showing police personnel thrashing a man and his woman companion, in their early twenties, at the suburban Andheri police station went viral on Wednesday, prompting the Maharashtra government to order a probe. The duo work at a call centre in Malad. The incident took place on the night of November 1.
“DCP, zone 10, Vinayak Deshmukh has been asked to conduct an inquiry to determine if the police used force, which is against the rules,” said Minister of State for Home Ranjit Patil. The police also made them undergo a medical test and the report showed that both had consumed liquor, Patil said.
In the video, it is seen that the duo is seated separately in the police station, the woman became restless and started shouting and tried to cling to the man, he said. The DCP had been asked to probe if police “crossed barriers” while allegedly slapping and beating the duo, he said.
According to the Andheri police, the two were found in inebriated condition and fighting with each other near tghe Andheri Metro station. “Both were brought to the police station, but the two started fighting again. The police only did their duty in separating them,” said Andheri police station’s senior inspector Nandkumar Dhumal.
The man was trying to get hold of the woman and the police were trying to restrain him. The video captured this moment, Dhumal said, alleging it was recorded to malign police force’s image. DCP Deshmukh said it was a police informer who shot the video.
Inspector Dhumal said an inquiry had been initiated, and no case had been lodged against the duo but only their statements were recorded.
Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said late Wednesday evening that action will be taken against the guilty. “An inquiry has been ordered. Action will be taken against those found guilty,” Fadnavis said.