Agra: An incident involving alleged custodial violence against a young milk vendor has raised serious questions about police conduct and accountability in Agra. The case surfaced after an 18-year-old complained of severe physical abuse inside a police outpost, leading to swift administrative action by senior officials. The matter has drawn public attention due to the nature of the allegations and the prompt suspension and transfer of officers involved.
The complainant, Narendra Kushwah, is a resident of Veerai village in the Saiyan area. Like many small-scale dairy sellers in rural Uttar Pradesh, he and his elder brother Dheeraj depend on door-to-door milk supply for their livelihood. On the morning of December 2, both brothers traveled to the city on a tempo to distribute milk in residential localities. Their routine work took them to the Garib Nagar area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Jeevni Mandi police outpost.
According to Narendra, the day began like any other business day and there was no intention to obstruct traffic or create any public disturbance. He was waiting inside the tempo while his brother stepped away briefly to deliver milk to nearby houses.
While Narendra was seated in the tempo, a sub-inspector from the Jeevni Mandi police outpost, accompanied by four other policemen, reportedly arrived at the spot. He was instructed to move the vehicle immediately. Narendra explained that he was not the driver and that his brother, who had taken the keys, would return shortly. He assured the officers that the vehicle would be moved as soon as his brother came back.
The explanation, as stated in the complaint, allegedly angered the police personnel. Instead of waiting, they reportedly detained Narendra on the spot and took him forcibly to the police chowki. What followed, according to the victim, was a prolonged and brutal assault.
In his written complaint, Narendra alleged that once inside the police outpost, he was beaten with lathis and batons. He stated that he was dragged by the collar and repeatedly struck on the soles of his feet, a method often associated with custodial torture. Most disturbingly, he claimed that one of his toenails was pulled out using pliers, causing intense pain and bleeding.
He further alleged that the policemen took Rs 1,800 from his pocket during the ordeal. Despite his injuries, he was formally booked under sections 126 and 135 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, provisions related to breach of peace. Narendra maintained that he had not committed any act that could justify such charges or the use of force against him.
Narendra stated that due to the alleged assault, he suffered serious physical injuries that required medical attention. Beyond the physical pain, the incident reportedly caused deep mental distress to him and his family. Coming from a modest background, the loss of money, interruption of work, and fear of police harassment added to his hardship.
His brother Dheeraj, who returned to find Narendra missing, later learned about the incident and supported him in approaching senior police officials. The family decided to formally complain, hoping for justice and accountability.
Following the complaint, the matter reached the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (City). After preliminary examination, immediate action was taken against the officers concerned. The in-charge of the Jeevni Mandi police outpost was suspended, and the Station House Officer of Chhatta Police Station was removed from his post.
The Deputy Commissioner publicly stated that such behavior would not be tolerated and that an impartial inquiry was essential to maintain public trust. An Assistant Commissioner of Police from the area was directed to investigate the allegations thoroughly and submit a detailed report within 48 hours.
This incident has once again highlighted concerns about custodial violence and misuse of authority. Civil rights advocates argue that while maintaining law and order is crucial, any form of excessive force undermines the rule of law. The swift administrative response in this case has been seen by many as a positive step, but observers stress that a transparent investigation and appropriate legal action are equally important.
For daily wage earners and small vendors, fear of harassment often discourages them from speaking out. Cases like this emphasize the need for stronger safeguards, better training, and strict monitoring of police conduct at the grassroots level.
