Assam: Specially-abled child badly beaten by police in Guwahati, raises questions on law enforcement

A 16-year-old specially-abled boy was beaten by police in the name of enforcing the curfew rules post 6 pm on July 23^rd, 2020 in Guwahati, Assam. The boy was going with his father to a pharmacy to buy some medicines.

Palash Chaliha, father of the boy, told INSIDENE that the boy was beaten by police at Kumarpara area in the city without questioning them. “We went to buy medicine in the morning, but did not find it. Hence, we went again in the evening. We tried to describe the reason but the police already beat my child with stick,” he added.

The incident came to light after Chaliha raised the issue in a Facebook live post. “Why did the Bharalumukh police beat my child,” he wrote in the post.

Also read: Assam: Over 19,000 tests conducted in last 24 hours, 1047 detected COVID-19 positive

Later, taking cognizance of the incident, the ADGP (Law & Order) GP Singh said, “Action will be taken against the erring policeman. No compromise on such issues.”

“Reference Facebook post of Sri Palash Chaliha regarding policeman beating up Sri Chaliha’s child, who also happens to be a special child, please rest assured action would be taken against the erring policeman. No compromise on such issues (sic),” the ADGP (L&O) tweeted.

Chailha informed INSIDENE that the Officer-in-charge of the Bharalumukh Police Station later visited his residence and assured him of taking stern action against the policeman.

The city is currently under Unlock 1 with certain conditions. Guwahati underwent a complete lockdown from June 28^th midnight initially for two weeks, which was later extended by another seven days.

The incident has drawn wrath of public. It also raises questions over law enforcement in the city as well as the state. The government has clearely stated that people can come out even during curfew time if they have medical emergency. Despite that, the act of police has drawn criticism from all walks of the socity.

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