SI suspended for thrashing man ‘without provocation’

Pilibhit: The officer-in-charge of the Assam Road police post under Sungarhi police station was suspended on Thursday after he allegedly thrashed a man “without provocation” at a roadside eating point late Wednesday night.SP Sukirti Madhav took action against sub-inspector Ravindra Baliyan following a report from the circle officer (CO) of Pilibhit city, Deepak Chaturvedi.The incident occurred on Bhind–Lipulekh NH-731 near Rooppur Krapa village. Kashi Ram (30), a resident of the same village, had gone to the dhaba to collect payment for wheat flour he had supplied. He said Baliyan arrived at the spot to ask the dhaba owner to switch off the lights. He alleged that, without any inquiry, the officer began beating him while he was standing outside, leaving him with bruises and swelling on his hands.Eyewitnesses at the dhaba recorded the incident, and the video later surfaced on social media.Locals alleged that Baliyan had a history of misbehaviour. They claimed that about a fortnight ago, he had abused and assaulted villagers who were sitting near a school.During a preliminary inquiry, CO Chaturvedi confirmed the authenticity of the video, after which he referred the matter to the SP.SP Madhav said, “An inquiry has been ordered and assigned to ASP Natasha Goel. During the suspension period, Baliyan will remain attached to the reserve police lines.”