Jaipur, August 14, 2024 — A shocking incident involving the assault of an Army soldier in police custody has sparked outrage in Jaipur. Rajasthan’s Sainik Kalyan Minister, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, revealed that the soldier, who is currently serving in Kashmir, was stripped and beaten by police personnel at the Shipra Path police station. The soldier was reportedly forced to make derogatory statements under duress, further escalating the severity of the situation.
Following the incident, a sub-inspector and three constables involved in the assault have been transferred to police lines, and an inquiry has been ordered by the Jaipur police commissioner, according to Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP) U R Sahoo.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred after police raided an illegal hookah bar the previous night, during which several individuals were arrested, including the Army soldier. While details surrounding the soldier’s arrest remain unclear, the subsequent actions of the police have drawn widespread condemnation.
Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who has previously served in the Army, visited the Shipra Path police station to address the issue directly. Expressing his outrage, Rathore stated, “A very sad incident came to my knowledge where a soldier, who is serving in Kashmir and is visiting here, was stripped by some police personnel and beaten with sticks. He was made to sit in the middle of the people, and some policemen made him repeat that the police is the ‘baap’ of the Indian Army.”
Minister Rathore’s Response
Rathore condemned the actions of the police personnel involved, describing the incident as a display of “disgusting mentality.” He emphasized that such behavior is intolerable and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible. “It is written in the medical report that he was assaulted by people. An Indian army soldier has been caught and beaten up by five police personnel, that too without any reason. So strict action is necessary against those who are breaking the law in the police department,” Rathore added.
Rathore has since raised the matter with the Director General of Police, who assured him that appropriate action would be taken against the guilty officers.
Immediate Actions
In response to the incident, the DGP confirmed that a sub-inspector and three constables have been removed from their duties and are currently under investigation. The Jaipur police commissioner has initiated an inquiry to determine the full extent of the wrongdoing and ensure accountability.
This incident has sparked significant concern regarding the conduct of law enforcement officers in Rajasthan, particularly in their interactions with members of the armed forces.
