MP: Two cops suspended for assault on RSS leader in police custody

Two police officials in Balaghat district were suspended on Monday for beating up an RSS pracharak.

Baihar police station town inspector Zia ul Haq and sub inspector Anil Ajmaria were suspended for beating up Suresh Yadav (28), accused of uploading objectionable posts about All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi.

According to the police, Yadav was arrested from the local RSS office. But later he tried to escape and took shelter in one Swami Asati’s house, from where he was subsequently nabbed. While in police custody, Yadav suffered internal injuries and was admitted to the district hospital in Balaghat, which referred him to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Medical College Hospital in Jabalpur.

Balaghat SP Asit Yadav said three cases have been registered at the Baihar police station. The first case is against the RSS worker for hurting religious sentiments, the second case is against the two police officers for assaulting him, and the third case has been filed by Asati against the two police officials for trespassing in his house.

The cops against whom the FIR was lodged include the additional superintendent of police Rajesh Sharma and town inspector Jiaul Haq for ‘attempt to murder and house tress pass after preparation for assault’ under sections 307 and 452 of IPC, according to superintendent of police Balaghat Asit Yadav. However, no arrest has been made in connection with the FIR against the cops.

Meanwhile, shops and business establishments in Baihar remained closed on Monday, with many residents fearing a communal clash. Heavy police force was deployed in the area to avert any untoward incidents.