In a shocking incident from Bhiwadi town in Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district, four police personnel, including a Station House Officer (SHO), have been booked for the alleged custodial assault of a 16-year-old Dalit boy named Lokesh. The case was registered on April 27 following complaints from the victim’s family.0
According to police officials, Lokesh was taken into custody on April 21 in connection with a motorcycle theft case after he was reportedly spotted in related CCTV footage.
His family alleged that he was subjected to severe beating and “third-degree torture” at the UIT police station in Bhiwadi. The boy was later hospitalised and is currently undergoing treatment for a lung infection.
Superintendent of Police Brijesh Jyoti Upadhyay stated that the boy’s condition is stable. The FIR includes sections related to assault and provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The accused include SHO Dara Singh Meena and constables Gopal, Govind, and Pawan Yadav. Police have denied the torture allegations but confirmed that further investigation is underway.
The incident has triggered a major political controversy in the state. Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Tikaram Jully of Congress, strongly condemned it, describing it as “deeply condemnable” and a “blot on humanity.” He alleged that atrocities against Dalits, the poor, and women are on the rise under the BJP government led by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.
“When the protectors themselves become predators, where does the common man go?” Jully asked. He claimed the victim’s family faced initial pressure and delays in registering the complaint.
Jully also cited Union Home Ministry data to highlight a high number of custodial deaths in Rajasthan in recent months, questioning the collapse of the rule of law. He said he had spoken directly with the SP and the boy’s family and urged the Chief Minister to ensure strict action against the guilty officers.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com.