Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 01:
Refusing to have a drink with the police could prove hazardous to your health, if what happened to a van driver is anything to go by.
According to reports received here, a policeman posted at Thoubal Police Station allegedly assaulted a van driver brutally as the latter refused to have a drink with him at the police station itself despite knowing the van driver was observing Ramzan.
Talking to reporters today, the assaulted driver identified as Liyakat Ali (34) of Lilong Bazar informed that the incident occurred while he was taking a body related to Thoubal PS case to be handed over to the family members after the post mortem at Lilong PHC at around 2 am today.
Liyakat, who is also the secretary of Lilong Jeep/Van Owners Association, said his van was hired by the bereaved family members.
On their way, the van stopped at Thoubal Police Station as the family members had something to sort out.
While the family members were inside, he remained in front of the police station.
Just then, a Havildar of the police station in civil dress came to him and insisted on sharing a drink.
When Liyakat turned down the offer by informing that he was observing Ramzan, the Havildar left the place furiously and came back with an SLR along with another colleague.
Pointing the gun at his chest the cops started beating him up.
Hearing the commotion, people from nearby area including an SI of Lilong Police came to his rescue.
The bereaved family members who hired the van were also witness to the assault, Liyakat said.
When the matter was brought to the notice of the OC of the police station RK Khomdon, the weapon was seized from the inebriated Havildar and he was put in the lock up for the night, he said.
Liyakat told the reporters that he had also gone to lodge a compliant to the SP in connection with the last night�s incident, but returned as the SP was not at his office.
Replying to a question on the identity of his assailant, Liyakat said he does not know.
But the assailant was drunk and looked like a tribal.