Cuttack, April 17: A youth has been critically injured in an attack by a sub-inspector over a minor argument between them following a road accident near CDA Colony here today. The incident has raised questions over the cops’ claim to be people-friendly.
The youth, Mihir Swain (29), was severely beaten up by Mangalabag sub-inspector Baikuntha Nath Seth after his bike collided with the latter’s vehicle around 8am.
“I was on my way to my parent’s house at Deula Sahi when my motorcycle collided with the sub-inspector’s bike. There was an argument between the sub-inspector and me. The sub-inspector in plainclothes noted down my motorcycle’s registration number and left the spot,” said Swain.
Swain, a resident of CDA Sector 8, works as a manager with a private telecommunication company. His parents and his elder brother stay at Deula Sahi. “Initially, I was surprised over the visit of police officers to my house and later they took me in the PCR van towards CDA Road. The sub-inspector slapped me and continued beating me badly inside the van,” said Swain, adding that the cops had taken away his cell phone and later took him to Mangalabag police station.
Swain was rushed to S.C.B. medical college and hospital where he is now undergoing treatment. “I was shocked to see my husband who was profusely bleeding. Only after pleading with officials, they released my husband for treatment,” said Smruti, the victim’s wife. “This is inhuman to beat up a person for such minor faults. This is complete misuse of power. They could have initiated legal proceedings against my husband if he had done anything wrong. He just had an argument with the sub-inspector and the cop beat him mercilessly,” she added.
Senior police officers admitted that incident was unfortunate and the sub-inspector should have adopted ‘restraint’ even if the youth misbehaved with him publicly.
Deputy commissioner of police Amitendra Nath Sinha said that he had received a complaint and appropriate steps would be taken in this regard following inquiry. “We are looking into the matter and appropriate steps will be taken in this regard,” Sinha said.
