Around 50 lawyers staged a late-night protest outside Jahangirabad police station in Bhopal after advocate Rakesh Rawal alleged that police personnel assaulted him following an argument. The protest continued until around 3 am on Wednesday, September 23, with lawyers demanding action against the police personnel allegedly involved.
What Happened?
According to 45-year-old advocate Rakesh Rawal, he was returning from the Khatlapura Temple area at around 8 pm on Tuesday when police personnel stopped his vehicle and asked him to come to the police station.
Rawal said he told the personnel that his vehicle did not have enough petrol to travel further. He alleged that the police personnel then abused him. When he objected, they allegedly threw him into the mud and beat him with sticks.
The allegations are being examined by the police and have not yet been independently established.
Lawyers Protest Outside Police Station
Following the alleged assault, around 50 lawyers gathered at Jahangirabad police station and demanded action against Station House Officer Rajan Singh Ahirwar and the police personnel accompanying him.
The protesting lawyers also released a video showing Rawal’s injuries and mud stains on his clothes. The lawyers demanded that an FIR be registered and those responsible be held accountable.
Additional Police Commissioner Shailendra Singh Chauhan said that information regarding the incident was being collected and the allegations would be examined.
Three Policemen Suspended
Following the protest, three policemen were suspended. They include Jahangirabad SHO Rajan Singh Ahirwar and constables Yash Lakhera and Ramswaroop.
The suspended personnel have been attached to the Reserve Centre. A preliminary inquiry has also been ordered, with the report expected within seven days. Inspector Hari Kishan Lohia has been given charge of Jahangirabad police station.
The investigation is now expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and determine whether further action is required.