The Maharashtra State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has initiated strong action following disturbing reports of the alleged brutal assault of three minor tribal boys by police personnel. The incident occurred inside the Jalalkheda Police Station in Dindargaon village, located in the Narkhed taluka of Nagpur district.
Details of the Alleged Police Brutality
According to reports, the three minors were first detained at the Jalalkheda Police Station on suspicion of involvement in a theft case. Instead of a lawful inquiry, the boys were subjected to a severe physical assault. It is alleged that the police personnel used leather belts to beat the children while they were in custody.
The matter came to light after a formal complaint was filed on December 25. Based on this complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered. The FIR includes charges under relevant sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Juvenile Justice Act, and the crucial Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Swift Action and Application of Stringent Law
The accused officer, identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector Purushottam Dhonde, faced immediate administrative consequences. Nagpur Rural SP (Incharge) Anil Mhaske suspended the officer on Saturday and also ordered a preliminary inquiry into the entire episode.
Simultaneously, the vice-chairman of the Maharashtra State Commission for SC/ST, Advocate Dharmpal Meshram, took suo motu cognisance of the case. This proactive step by the commission led to the application of one of the most stringent provisions in the anti-atrocity law. The case now includes Section 3(2)(5) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which pertains to punishable offences against members of Scheduled Castes or Tribes.
Implications and Ongoing Proceedings
The commission's serious notice and the subsequent legal actions highlight the gravity with which authorities are treating this incident. The application of the Atrocities Act, alongside charges under the new criminal code and juvenile protection laws, indicates a multi-pronged legal approach. The suspension of the accused officer and the ordered inquiry are seen as initial steps toward accountability.
This case has brought focus back on the treatment of vulnerable communities, particularly tribal minors, within the law enforcement system. The actions of the Maharashtra SC/ST Commission and the Nagpur rural police leadership will be closely watched as the preliminary and legal investigations proceed to their conclusion.
