Police Brutality Sparks Violence in Bhagalpur
Patna: Aug. 28, 2007
As if the news of a criminal having tied to a motorcycle and dragged several feet by the police in Bhagalpur on Tuesday was not enough to enrage the people, a full-blown riot broke out outside the police station when the rumor of the said criminal dying in police custody spread across the town.
Over 10,000 people pelting stones at the Nathnagar police station, demanded to see the man who was identified as Aurangzeb, in flesh.
The situation became so out of control that the police had to fire eight rounds in the air to disperse the crowd. Two anti-riot vehicles were also rushed to the troubled site to deal with any contingency as senior police officials monitored the situation very closely hoping to avoid a repeat of 1989 riot in Bhagalpur.
At least 15 protestors and two law enforcement officials were said to be hurt in the skirmish that lasted for nearly five hours.
As reported, Shanti Devi, also of Nathnagar in Bhagalpur, was returning to her home from a temple when Mohammed Aurangzeb snatched her gold chain and fled. Some people in the area gave a chase to the crook and after getting hold of him, beat him up before handing him over to the police.
The police then tied the criminal to a motorcycle and dragged him several feet as a large crowd cheered the policemen.
The incident, however, enraged the local people who then attacked the police station demanding suspension of constable L. B. Singh and inspector Ramchandra Rai and proof of Aurangzeb still being alive.
DIG Girija Nandan Sharma and Superintendent of Police (SP) J. S. Gangwar expressed their inability to present Aurangzeb since he was in the judicial custody.
After much persuasion and following the suspension of Singh and Rai, the crowd finally dispersed leaving at least 15 injured.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, condemning the police brutality, promised maximum punishment under the law against the two erring cops.
"There is no excuse for such despicable act and policemen involved in such heinous act should be and would be punished to the maximum extent of the law," he said.
Seizing the opportunity, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav demanded resignation of the Chief Minister saying law and order had ceased to exist in Bihar and the state was run by corrupt bureaucrats and criminals.
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