AMRITSAR: Veteran communist leader Satyapal Dang brought to the notice of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh a case of police brutality against a woman hailing from Islamabad area of Amritsar and sought effective steps against the police behavior.
In a communication to the Chief Minister which was released to the press here on April 26, Dang said that on April 19,1993, around 5:35 p.m., sub inspector Gajinder Singh, constable Rajinder Singh and two others (who can be identified) of police station Islamabad broke into the house of K.KHanda. They directed Handa, who is a PMA with Punjab Roadways, Amritsar depot and his wife Shakti to report to the police Station,
When Shakti questioned whether they had a warrant, the sub inspector lost his temper. He and the other policemen began beating her. She was struck several times with gun butts and lathis, Her husband was also beaten up.
The bleeding couple were forcibly taken to the police station, Handa was dragged for some distance while his wife was pushed,
The couple was kept in illegal custody for three hours after which they were let off under public pressure. Before that, however, the policemen forced Handa to Sign some papers, Shakti Handa was later taken to the Civil Hospital by her son, a college lecturer. Her medical examination revealed six injuries on her body. Despite intervention of some public men, no action was taken. She has therefore given a written representation to the SSR Amritsar.
Dang said that on checking the facts he discovered that the policemen visited the Handa’s house following a complaint by a neighbor who had links with some police officials.
He demanded immediate suspension of the guilty police officials and an impartial probe into the matter.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 30, 1993
