Bundi SP benches five cops for torturing man in lock-up for 5 days

Kota: Bundi SP Mamta Gupta on Sunday issued orders to remove five cops of Gendoli police station following a complaint of torture against them. On Saturday, Gupta received a complaint from one Mahavir Bhatia that he along with four others was tortured by police in the police station lock-up for five days.

The officers include SHO Niranjan Meena, assistant sub-inspector Bhanwarlal, constables Mahendra Banjara, Aasaram and Bhagchand.

They have been sent to police lines. Gupta told TOI that a thorough investigation into the allegations by Bhatia will take some time and appropriate action will be initiated against those found guilty.

Mahavir Bhatia (42) of Bhatia Ki Jhopdiya had alleged that Meena and four police personnel had tortured him in the police lock-up for five days (August 25-29). “They tied my hands and legs, hung me upside down and hit me with sticks and rods,” Bhatia alleged. He added that his body was smeared with sugar and jaggery to attract insects causing excruciating pain.

The victim accompanied by BJP state committee member Rupesh Sharma approached Bundi SP and submitted a complaint.

Ex-BJP MLA Prahlad Gunjal and Sharma on Sunday visited Bhatia in Bundi district government hospital where Bhatia was admitted on Saturday. Sharma said if those accused were not booked, they would have to resort to indefinite dharna outside Bundi district headquarters.

Meena has refuted the allegations. He said Bhatia was a notorious criminal and was suspected in a robbery case at Banskheda village.