Was she a terrorist? SC slams Punjab on cops beating girl
Sunday, 10/03/2013
http://www.punjabnewsline.com/news/Was-she-a-terrorist_-SC-slams-Punjab-on-cops-beating-girl.html
NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: The Supreme Court today rejected Punjab government’s explanation regarding investigation of police officials who were caught on camera while beating a young woman in Tarn Taran in full public view on March 7.
The angry judges questioned, “Was she a terrorist?”
The state government explained that a magistrate will be appointed to determine the accountability for the thrashing of the victim on the roadside.The judges were not happy with the state’s explanation and questioned the need of an inquiry when the assault video has been seen by millions of people.
“Our experience shows the policemen will be reinstated after three months,” the judges said.
Punjab police DGP Sumedh Saini has been ordered to submit details of how the errant cops have been penalized.
The police assault victim has alleged that she was beaten by the cops after she complained of sexual harassment by a truck driver while returning home after attending a marriage.
On the other hand, police while acknowledging the fact that the assault on her was not justified said she had tried to prevent the cops from arresting her father, who was allegedly drunk in public.
The Apex Court has also taken a notice that nobody tried to help the victim while she was being mercilessly beaten."What is the accountability of citizens? People were standing around ..what were they doing? Are we becoming a senseless society? This happens every day in all parts of the country," the judges said.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had sought explanation from Punjab and Bihar government for police brutality on women. Women teachers protesting for hike in pay were hit by constables with batons and tear gas in Patna.
