In a disturbing incident of moral policing and communal hatred, a woman was abused and assaulted by Uttar Pradesh police officials for allegedly being friends with a Muslim man. In a video that went viral on Tuesday, four police officials are seen ‘questioning’ a woman. During the interrogation, one male cop asks, “Mulla zyada pasand aa raha, Hindu ke hote huye (Do you like a Muslim being a Hindu?). When he further goes on to make derogatory remarks against her, while a woman constable repeatedly slaps the victim.
Meerut: Three police personnel including a woman constable suspended after a video of them abusing and slapping a woman for being friends with a Muslim man, went viral pic.twitter.com/ypqO5dxFbK
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 25, 2018
As per police reports, the incident took place on Sunday when police had responded to the complaint of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists who were furious over the woman’s relationship with a Muslim man, both of whom are medical students. A mob, which also comprised locals, alleged that the couple was caught in ‘an objectionable position’. They apparently broke into the man’s residence and accused them of ‘love jihad’, reports India Today.
The couple was apprehended by the police and were assaulted. They were later released as no complaint was filed by any of the family members.
Dial100 में छात्रा के साथ हुए प्रकरण के संबंध मे संबंधित पुलिसकर्मीयो को सस्पेंड किया गया है व होमगार्ड के खिलाफ संबंधित विभाग को कार्यवाही हेतु रिर्पोट भेजी गयी है। इस प्रकरण मे पुलिस अधीक्षक नगर द्वारा दी गयी बाईट #UPPolice @Uppolice @dgpup @adgzonemeerut @igrangemeerut pic.twitter.com/uuWWrh1TLo
— meerut police (@meerutpolice) September 25, 2018
Meanwhile, the three policemen were identified as head constable Salek Chand, constable Neetu Singh, lady constable Priyanka. They have been suspended and a report regarding home guard Sainserpal has been sent to District Commandant Home Guard.
A similar incident happened last year in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh when Sangeeta Varshneya, a BJP leader repeatedly slapped a girl after she was spotted with a Muslim man. The leader called it a case of ‘love jihad’ and also humiliated the girl in public. A case was filed against the man for indulging in an obscene act at a public place. However, no action was taken against the leader.
