This Article is From Apr 20, 2010

Cops allegedly beat NRI, father for overtaking vehicle

Patna: An NRI businessman from Russia and his elderly father were allegedlybeaten by policemen in Bihar's Patna district for overtaking thevehicle of a probationer Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. A probehas been ordered, authorities said on Tuesday.

Shajendra Bihari Singh, in his early 40s, was beaten on Sunday after heovertook the car of IPS officer Vivek Kumar when he was on his way fromJehanabad to native Dharhara village in Punpun near Patna.

"I was beaten like a criminal by policemen. I was innocent and I didnot violate law of the land, but police treated me like a criminal andbeat me with bamboo sticks and hands," said Shajendra Singh.

"My only crime was that I overtook vehicle of a police officer ofJehanabad. He was angered and stopped my vehicle few minutes later. Hestarted abusing and beating me."

He said the policemen thrashed his father Brijbihari Singh, who waswith him. "Also, we were taken to Parsa Bazar police station and beatenagain there," he added.

The NRI, who displayed marks of injuries on his body, lodged acomplaint but police refused to register a case. "Local police officersand Bihar's top police officers whom I contacted for justice downplayedthe incident. They discouraged me to raise voice against theinjustice," he said.

The Russia-based restaurateurthen lodged a complaint at the chief judicial magistrate in Patna civilcourt on Monday and petitioned the State Human Rights Commission forjustice.

Additional Director General (police headquarters) P.K. Thakur said: "Aprobe has been ordered into the case. We have asked the DIG (deputyinspector general) to investigate into the case and submit a reportwithin a week."
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