Eight cops booked for alleged assault on 3 youths in Surat

Surat: During a traffic enforcement operation on Monday night, eight officers from the Puna police allegedly used excessive force against three youngsters. As the result of Police action, one of the victims sustained a fracture, while another suffered hearing impairment in one ear. Later, as the families of the youths staged protests, the Puna police were compelled to file charges against the eight officers involved, whose identities have yet to be disclosed.

As per the details of the case, the complainant, Manish Jaju (28), a textile trader, and his brother Kaushal were on their way home on a moped around 9:15 PM on August 21. Approaching the Intercity Bridge over the Canal in the Puna area, they encountered a police vehicle conducting vehicle checks. Parking their moped to the side, they requested permission from the police to use the service road. Upon receiving permission, they proceeded onto the service road. However, an alleged incident occurred when a police officer slapped Manish. When the brothers objected, more officers arrived, leading to an assault on the brothers. Shortly thereafter, a police van arrived and transported the brothers to the Puna police station.

Upon their arrival at the station, the Jaju brothers encountered their friend, Devendrasinh Rajput, who claimed he was brought to the station because he had recorded the alleged incident on his phone. Within the police station, approximately eight officers reportedly continued their assault on the trio, resulting in significant injuries. Manish suffered a severe hand fracture, Devendrasinh sustained a torn eardrum that led to hearing loss, and Kaushal endured injuries to his thigh.

Following the incident, the injured individuals were taken to SMIMER Hospital. In response, a considerable number of relatives and friends gathered at the Puna police station, demanding legal action against the officers responsible for the alleged brutality. Following the intervention of higher-ranking police officials, the Puna police were compelled to charge their own officers under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. DeshGujarat