This Article is From Mar 01, 2012

Andhra Pradesh policemen caught on camera slapping teen repeatedly

Hyderabad: On camera, a policeman is seen slapping a young boy repeatedly.  That footage - filmed by a local TV channel in Karminagar in Andhra Pradesh, has prompted an inquiry by the state's human rights commission (NDTV did not film the incident; the footage used is courtesy TV9 channel).

"This incident appears to be barbaric and violates the human rights of the boy, who was dealt with unlawfully," said a member of the commission, Kakumanu Peda Peri Reddy.

The boy who is assaulted repeatedly and with full force is 16 years old.  The police has been asked to explain what happened by March 7.

Circle police inspector Deva Reddy and constable Ganga Reddy suspected that the teen was guilty of stealing petrol and spare parts from parked cars.

His family says that the policemen hit him on his hands with a stick and that the inspector took out his revolver and pointed it at him.

After a local television channel telecast the footage, senior policemen conducted an inquiry.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) A Rama Rajeshwari said the inspector and constable were guilty of "high-handedness" and has recommended disciplinary action against the duo.

"I also saw the original video footage and the cops prima facie seem to be responsible for the high-handedness and I recommended for disciplinary action against them," she told PTI, adding the locals handed over the boy to the police when they caught him "indulging in theft".

As part of the investigation, the inspector had taken the boy to scene of offence and while being examined the CI and the constable seem to have slapped and hit the boy with a stick, she explained.

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