In a horrific incident of police brutality, a head constable of Delhi Police today hit a woman with a brick in posh central Delhi locality after an altercation following which he was arrested and dismissed from service as the incident triggered widespread outrage.
Traffic policeman Satish Chandra was arrested and a criminal case was filed against him after a video clip of his attacking a young woman with two children at Golf Links area went viral. Later, he was dismissed from the service.
The victim, who was riding a two-wheeler, alleged that Chandra demanded a bribe of Rs 200 accusing her of violating traffic rules and when she refused he abused her and then hit her with a brick in front of her two minor children.
The video clip showed the woman picking up a brick and hurling it at the policeman’s bike while the constable was seen attacking her back with another brick. After the medical check up, the woman said her left hand has sustained fracture in the attack.
As the incident, which took place around 10:30 AM, evoked sharp reactions including from political parties and women activists, Special CP (Traffic) Muktesh Chander announced in the evening that the erring policeman has been dismissed from service with immediate effect.
The victim alleged that the policeman accused her of violating traffic norms and started abusing her after she refused to pay Rs 200 as bribe, insisting that a receipt of the fine he was demanding be issued.
Giving a run down of the incident, the woman said she was coming from a parent-teacher meeting in her daughter’s school.
“The policeman asked me for my registration papers and licence and demanded Rs 200 for jumping the red light. I insisted that a receipt be issued to me but the cop refused.
When I protested he attacked me with a brick,” said the woman.
She was taken to a hospital for treatment of the injuries.
After recording her statement at Tuglak Road Police Station, the woman appealed to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to ensure justice to her. “Harshest punishment should be given to the cop.”
Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi expressed regret over the incident, saying “On behalf of myself and Delhi Police, I want to express my regret. I have ordered that a criminal case be registered against the constable. We will investigate the matter.” The erring policeman was first suspended but later he was dismissed from service.
The Delhi government, which has been on the loggerheads with police, has strongly condemned the incident, saying it exposed the force’s mindset..
“This cop has committed several criminal offences in a single act – assault with a blunt object, misuse of official position and he should also be immediately booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act,” Delhi Home Minister Satyender Jain said in a statement.
