Madhubani/Patna, Feb 3 (PTI): Five policemen in Bihar’s Madhubani district have been suspended for allegedly assaulting an Imam while in custody, a senior official confirmed on Monday.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Yogendra Kumar stated that those suspended include the Station House Officer (SHO) of Benipatti Police Station, along with a havildar, a constable, and two chowkidars.
The incident revolves around a complaint filed by Mohd Firoz, who alleged that he was beaten by police personnel on January 29. However, SP Kumar clarified that while no direct evidence of physical torture was found during the inquiry, there were procedural lapses that necessitated disciplinary action.
The SP countered that Firoz was detained because he attempted to flee instead of providing his vehicle documents. He added that Firoz sustained minor injuries after his two-wheeler skidded, but he was released on a PR bond once his family provided the required paperwork.
Despite denying custodial torture, SP Kumar acknowledged police lapses, including the failure to conduct a mandatory medical examination and delayed communication with Firoz’s family. These procedural failures led to the suspension of the officers involved. A trainee IPS officer, who was temporarily in charge of Benipatti police station, has also been transferred.
"The chief minister is no longer in his senses. So many Lok Sabha and assembly seats in that area are held by his JD(U), but their representatives have become mere BJP cadres," Yadav alleged.
The former deputy chief minister further announced his intention to visit Benipatti to express solidarity with the affected minority community. He warned the police against what he described as blatant displays of religious bias.
The viral video of Firoz recounting his ordeal has intensified public scrutiny, with widespread condemnation of the police’s handling of the case. Authorities continue to face pressure for further action and a transparent investigation into the allegations.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Yogendra Kumar stated that those suspended include the Station House Officer (SHO) of Benipatti Police Station, along with a havildar, a constable, and two chowkidars.
The incident revolves around a complaint filed by Mohd Firoz, who alleged that he was beaten by police personnel on January 29. However, SP Kumar clarified that while no direct evidence of physical torture was found during the inquiry, there were procedural lapses that necessitated disciplinary action.
Allegations and Police Response
Firoz claimed that he was detained after being stopped for verification of his motorcycle documents. According to his statement, he was subjected to physical assault, including being slapped and beaten with a wooden stick that eventually broke. He also alleged that officers insulted his religious identity and extorted ₹25,000 before releasing him.The SP countered that Firoz was detained because he attempted to flee instead of providing his vehicle documents. He added that Firoz sustained minor injuries after his two-wheeler skidded, but he was released on a PR bond once his family provided the required paperwork.
Despite denying custodial torture, SP Kumar acknowledged police lapses, including the failure to conduct a mandatory medical examination and delayed communication with Firoz’s family. These procedural failures led to the suspension of the officers involved. A trainee IPS officer, who was temporarily in charge of Benipatti police station, has also been transferred.
Political Outrage and RJD’s Response
The incident has sparked political controversy, with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav accusing the Nitish Kumar-led government of harboring hostility toward Muslims."The chief minister is no longer in his senses. So many Lok Sabha and assembly seats in that area are held by his JD(U), but their representatives have become mere BJP cadres," Yadav alleged.
The former deputy chief minister further announced his intention to visit Benipatti to express solidarity with the affected minority community. He warned the police against what he described as blatant displays of religious bias.
The viral video of Firoz recounting his ordeal has intensified public scrutiny, with widespread condemnation of the police’s handling of the case. Authorities continue to face pressure for further action and a transparent investigation into the allegations.
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