Jalandhar Police Dragged Dalit Woman by Hair, Video Sparks Political Outcry
A disturbing incident of police brutality has surfaced in Jalandhar, where an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) from the Bhargo police station was caught on camera dragging a Dalit woman by her hair and assaulting her. The video, which went viral on social media, has ignited widespread condemnation and political protests, with leaders from both the BJP and Congress demanding swift justice for the victim.
Barbaric Treatment Captured on CCTV
The incident occurred early in the morning at 7 am, as captured by CCTV footage. The video shows police officers assaulting partially clad youth on the road. The victim, Mamta Bhagat, a widow, intervened to protect her son from the beating, only to be attacked herself by the ASI. She described the ordeal, stating, "The ASI crossed all limits. When he came, there was no woman police personnel with him. My sons were asleep at that time. I tried to talk to him, but instead he grabbed me by my hair and also entered into a scuffle with my sons."
Victim's Pleas Ignored by Authorities
Mamta Bhagat revealed that the dispute stemmed from a family matter involving her elder son and his wife. She had previously visited the police station to report the issue but found the inquiry officer absent. During the incident, neighbors attempted to intervene, offering to present her son at the police station themselves, but their pleas were disregarded by the officers. The victim suffered injuries requiring medical attention, including a bandaged forehead.
Political Leaders Unite in Protest
The matter escalated when political leaders from Jalandhar West, including former BJP MLA Sheetal Angural, Congress halqa in-charge Surinder Kaur, councillor Tarsem Lakhotra, and former councillor Vipan Kumar, staged a dharna at Bhargo Camp Chowk. They later accompanied the victim to the police station, demanding action against the erring ASI. Sheetal Angural asserted, "We will not relent till the victim gets justice. We have been told that action is being mulled against the ASI concerned. We will also take the matter to the state commission for women and for SCs tomorrow."
Calls for Accountability and Justice
The leaders have announced plans to file formal complaints with the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Punjab State Women Commission, highlighting the severe human rights violation. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about police misconduct and the treatment of marginalized communities, particularly Dalits, in the region. The viral video has brought national attention to the case, pressuring authorities to ensure accountability and prevent such abuses in the future.
