Vadodara vendor ‘assaulted’ by cops, probe initiated

According to the two FIRs lodged at Sayajigunj police station, the incident occurred at 2:15 am on Monday when the PCR van of Sayajigunj police station was patrolling the area outside platform-6 of the Vadodara railway station.

Mohamman Faizan Amiruddin Shaikh allegedly got into an argument when the PCR van pulled up near his cart.

He was asked to shut shop, and give an explanation for violating prohibitory orders. According to eyewitnesses quoted in the FIR lodged by Faizan’s older brother Mumtaz, the argument escalated into an assault.

The FIR lodged by Mumtaz Sheikh, quoting a neighbour who informed him about the injuries sustained by his brother, said, “Angered by the police abuse and assault, Faizan blocked the way of the PCR van by standing in front of the vehicle and preventing it from leaving.

The policemen, who were in a hurry to escape the scene, as a crowd had gathered in support of Faizan, attempted to drive ahead, pushing Faizan back upto 100 feet before he fell under the van and sustained injuries.”

On Wednesday evening, Assistant Commissioner of Police A Division DJ Chavda said, “Usually by 11.30pm -12am every night, police patrol vans across the city ensure that food carts pack up and leave in order to prevent anti-social elements from gathering on the roads. Faizan’s cart was also asked to pack up at the designated time and the PCR van had left… However, they received a call at 2 am that the food cart was still open.

They arrived at the spot and spoke to Faizan, asking him to comply with the police order… It escalated into a heated argument and led to a fight.

The personnel in the PCR van used the needed physical force and he has been injured. Faizan too attacked the police personnel on duty. We have registered two FIR’s and are probing the incident.”

The three personnel, including a contractual police driver, have been identified as unarmed Lok Rakshak Mubashir Mohammad Salim and Raghuvir Bharatbhai and driver Kishan Parmar. The FIR lodged by Salim states that Faizan allegedly pulled at his uniform and slapped him and jumped on the bonnet of the moving van, leading to the injuries.

The FIR states, “He pulled my uniform and slapped me, prompting Raghuvir and Kishan to step in to help me… He threatened us with dire consequences and when we tried to leave from the spot, he jumped onto the bonnet of the van and fell off a few metres ahead, leading to injuries.”

Police said it is gathering evidence to probe the case and a disciplinary action will also be initiated against the police personnel. “We have already begun collecting evidence at the crime scene. We have called in forensic experts and conducted a panchnama. We are trying to find CCTV footage… Disciplinary action will also be initiated against the police personnel. Faizan is yet to regain consciousness and is currently admitted at a private hospital. We will record his statement and take legal opinion regarding the arrest of the police personnel as per the probe findings…,” ACP Chavda said. While Salim, Raghuvir and Kishan Parmar have been booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), among others, Faizan has also been booked under section 186 (voluntarily obstructing any public servant in the discharge of his public functions) and other sections.