Shillong: A sub-inspector and four constables from the Sohra Police Station in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district have been suspended following allegations that they assaulted a detainee and forced him to drink toilet water earlier this month.
The five police personnel were suspended after a preliminary inquiry into a complaint filed on July 7 by the mother of the detainee who was injured during the alleged assault by the police personnel, a senior officer said on Thursday.
The officer said the detainee had been referred from the Sohra CHC to the Civil Hospital.
“An independent inquiry led by SDPO B Wanswett found prima facie evidence of misconduct. Following the inquiry, the five personnel, including a sub-inspector, were placed under suspension, and departmental proceedings were initiated against them,” East Khasi Hills District SP Vivek Syiem told a news agency.
During the course of the investigation, a separate criminal case has also been registered against the detainee at the Sohra Police Station, and a probe is being conducted by an officer from another police station, he said.
This case originated from an FIR filed on July 1 by a resident of Mawkisyiem, the same locality where the detainee and his family reside. The detainee had been accused of assaulting people, public indecency, and issuing threats within the locality.
The police said the accused was brought to the Sohra PS by his mother on July 3, after evading arrest earlier.
He had undergone medical examinations and was released on bail the same evening, another officer said.
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However, his mother later accused the police personnel of assaulting him in custody and subjecting him to inhumane treatment, and forcing her son to drink water from the toilet at the police station, he said.
“The Meghalaya Police will not tolerate the abuse of any individual. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty,” the officer stated.
