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PUCL Bulletin,
March 2002
Manipur:
Assault and manhandling by the CRPF personnel
Report Lodged with
the Police
To,
The officer in Charge,
Imphal City police, Imphal 795 001
Subject: Complaint for assault and manhandling by the CRPF personnel stationed
at the State Bank of India main branch.
Sir, I would like
to bring to your kind notice the following few lines for your kind attention
and necessary action.
- That I was coming
to the State Bank of India, main branch at MG Avenue (SBI) for some
bank transaction at about 9.40 a.m. As the approach road to the Bank
on the side of the Nirmala Hotel is blocked due to some road repairing
work, I parked my vehicle at a distance near the Chamber of Commerce
Hospital.
- That on entering
the SBI building I was routinely checked by a CRPF constable on guard
duty. The CRPF personnel raised objection against my carrying a digital
diary inside the bank. I tried to reason him out that such small harmless
electronic equipment is allowed everywhere, even inside aircraft. I
demanded of him the basis of their opposition.
- That on overhearing
the argument the Havildar sitting nearby joined the constable and told
me that they had no time for such arguments and to leave the equipment
in my vehicle. I explained them that I have parked my vehicle at a distance
because of the road repair. I requested them that if I am not allowed
to take it in I would be happy to leave the equipment in their custody
and pick it up as and when I come out of the Bank. But the havildar
insisted that they couldn't take that responsibility. Thereafter the
CRPF personnel roughly asked me to leave the place and give way to the
next customer. As my request was leading no where, I turned back murmuring
that "This is really childish!".
- That before I
could take the second step, the CRPF Havildar grasped my jacket and
manhandled me demanding why I used bad words against him. At that moment,
other CRPF personnel in the area also joined him and ran blows and kicks
on me. One of the CRPF personnel even threatened me that I can be killed
then and there. Fortunately, a SBI employee intervened and restrained
the CRPF.
- That after this
humiliating assault and manhandling in front of the public, the CRPF
Havildar allowed me inside the SBI office. On asking him about the digital
diary, which has caused all these trouble, strangely he said "Take
it , it is all right".
I strongly feel that
this highly provocative, irresponsible and unnecessary assault, humiliation
and manhandling is not only a clear case of excessive use of force and
abuse of power by the law enforcement official but also an assault to
the civil liberties of the citizen. I, therefore humbly request you to
kindly register an appropriate case against the CRPF personnel involved
in this despicable act and take further necessary action according to
the laws of the land. -- Babloo Loitongbam, Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai,
Imphal - 795 001
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