Surat:
An inquiry has been ordered into an altercation between members of a family and police personnel during which some women were allegedly thrashed by police near Surat on Tuesday, a senior official said.
The incident, during which police resorted to caning, took place in Bhadol village during an anti-encroachment drive. A police officer and a woman were injured in the fracas and subsequent police action, he said.
"An inquiry has been ordered into the incident where police personnel allegedly beat up women during an anti-encroachment drive of Gram Panchayat in Bhadol village," Surat SP (Rural) Pradip Sejul said.
He claimed the police resorted to lathicharge only when the family members of one Bacchu Patel, a resident of the village, attacked PSI B G Vasava, who was on duty.
"After pushing him (Vasava), they attempted to pull the rope of his revolver. In the ensuing scuffle, he sustained injuries," he said.
However, TV footage showed women members of the family were mercilessly beaten up by the police. One of the women was later taken to the hospital for treatment.