A disturbing video has emerged showing a 15-year-old Dalit boy and his grandmother being brutally beaten by railway police officers at a station in Madhya Pradesh. The footage, which reportedly dates back to October 2023, captures the shocking incident that has ignited widespread outrage and condemnation.
The video shows Aruna Vagane, the officer in charge of the Katni Government Railway Police (GRP) station in Jabalpur, striking Kusum Vanskar, the elderly woman, with a stick and kicking her while she cries out in pain. The footage also reveals several police officers physically assaulting the boy. The incident, which took place inside the police station, has sparked significant controversy after the video went viral on social media.
In response to the uproar, a probe has been initiated, and one officer has been suspended. The Madhya Pradesh Congress Party has used the incident to criticize the state government led by BJP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Jitu Patwari, the President of the Madhya Pradesh Congress, condemned the actions, calling it a stark example of the “oppression against Dalits.” He accused the BJP of using Dalit oppression as a political weapon and demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister, arguing that the government has failed to protect its citizens.
The Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress has also criticized the state government, alleging that the police are engaged in “hooliganism” under the guise of maintaining law and order. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with many calling for accountability and justice.
https://x.com/jitupatwari/status/1828776165886050351
According to Officer Vagane, Kusum Vanskar’s son, Deepak Vanskar, who has 19 pending cases against him, was wanted by the railway police with a reward of ₹10,000 for his capture. Vagane claimed that the entire Vanskar family was involved in criminal activities and was brought in for interrogation. Deepak Vanskar has since been arrested and is currently in jail.
In response to the incident, Jabalpur Railway Police Superintendent (SRP) announced that the station-in-charge has been suspended and a detailed investigation is underway, led by the Department Superintendent of Police. The Katni Additional Superintendent of Police, Santosh Sehria, mentioned that the police will conduct an inquiry if a formal complaint is registered. Sehria emphasized that although the video appears to show a case of misconduct by the GRP Katni, a thorough investigation will be carried out based on concrete facts.
