3 cops suspended over alleged assault in Kullu police station

The Kullu police have suspended three policemen, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), while a Home Guard has been relieved from duty after a viral video surfaced showing a man being assaulted inside a Kullu police station. The Kullu Superintendent of Police (SP) stated that the action was taken following a preliminary inquiry, and a detailed investigation is currently underway.

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The controversy unfolded late Saturday night when Prakash Chand, a resident of Kharal Valley, was reportedly driving in the wrong direction on the one-way hospital road towards Dhalpur with his granddaughter in the car. His vehicle was involved in a minor accident with another car coming from the opposite direction. Though the situation initially led to an argument between the drivers, it was later resolved amicably.

However, the events took a serious turn later that night when Prakash was stopped by police personnel at Dhalpur Chowk. The police allegedly seized his vehicle and instructed him to drop his granddaughter home before returning to the location. Prakash’s family members accompanied him back to the police naka in Dhalpur to reclaim the vehicle.

According to Prakash’s family, upon their return, the police personnel took him to the police station and physically assaulted him. Distressed by the incident, the family recorded the assault and later circulated the video online, which quickly went viral and sparked public outrage.

Following the incident, Prakash’s family met with the Kullu SP on Monday and submitted a formal complaint, demanding strict action against the police personnel involved. Speaking to reporters, the family stated that they had been advised to conduct a medical examination of Prakash, and it is expected that a formal case will be registered based on the medical report findings.

In response to the public outcry, the Kullu police swiftly suspended the three policemen and removed the Home Guard personnel from duty. The SP assured the public that further investigations would be conducted to ensure justice is served.

The incident has reignited discussions about police accountability and the treatment of citizens in custody. As the investigation unfolds, residents of Kullu and beyond will be closely monitoring the authorities’ actions.