Premium

Court steps in after 5 from Madhya Pradesh allege beating in police custody

A district judge has now ordered the police to conduct a fresh medical examination by a panel of doctors and to present the medical board's report.

The court also pulled up the investigating officer for his misunderstanding of the law.The breakthrough followed a tip-off that led investigators to what appears to be a broader smuggling operation

Police officers from Madhya Pradesh’s Bhind district have come under the scrutiny of a district court following allegations that five men were assaulted in police custody.

A district judge has now ordered the police to conduct a fresh medical examination by a panel of doctors and to present the medical board’s report. The five accused — Deepak Sharma (48), Abhishek Sharma (20), Vivek Sharma (19), Suresh alias Tinku Sharma (36), and Kallu alias Pramod Sharma (26) — had alleged that they were beaten while in police custody at Phoop police station.

Advocate Himanshu Sharma, appearing for them, had sought the constitution of a medical board for an independent examination. The accused got into a fight with a local over an accident and were accused of snatching a mobile phone during the scuffle. They claimed that they were picked up by the police on Friday night and assaulted in police custody.

The Bhind Judicial Magistrate, First Class, Vivek Mal, said, “The accused were medically examined, and when questioned, they stated that the injuries on their bodies had been inflicted by the police during beatings at the police station.”

“The medical documents confirm these statements. Dr Tapas Sharma has mentioned the injuries reported by the accused in his MLC (medico-legal case) report, noting that the injuries to accused Pramod and Deepak are of a serious nature,” the court said.

The court also pulled up the investigating officer for his misunderstanding of the law.

“Assistant Sub-Inspector Raghubir Singh, present in court, stated that the accused have a criminal record and therefore were arrested in connection with a bailable offence. This statement clearly indicates that he does not understand the difference between bailable and non-bailable offences,” the court said.

Story continues below this ad

The court cited Section 478 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which mandates release on bail for those arrested in bailable offences, and directed the release of all five accused “upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 10,000 each and a surety bond of the same amount” with the condition that they appear for all hearings and comply with court orders.

SDOP Ravindra Vaskale assured that an impartial enquiry would be conducted. “The court has ordered a medical examination by a panel board, and the report will be submitted to the court. If anyone files a complaint of misconduct or assault, an impartial investigation will be conducted,” he said.

Anand Mohan J is an award-winning Senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, currently leading the bureau’s coverage of Madhya Pradesh. With a career spanning over eight years, he has established himself as a trusted voice at the intersection of law, internal security, and public policy. Based in Bhopal, Anand is widely recognized for his authoritative reporting on Maoist insurgency in Central India. In late 2025, he provided exclusive, ground-level coverage of the historic surrender of the final Maoist cadres in Madhya Pradesh, detailing the backchannel negotiations and the "vacuum of command" that led to the state being declared Maoist-free. Expertise and Reporting Beats Anand’s investigative work is characterized by a "Journalism of Courage" approach, holding institutions accountable through deep-dive analysis of several key sectors: National Security & Counter-Insurgency: He is a primary chronicler of the decline of Naxalism in the Central Indian corridor, documenting the tactical shifts of security forces and the rehabilitation of surrendered cadres. Judiciary & Legal Accountability: Drawing on over four years of experience covering Delhi’s trial courts and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Anand deconstructs complex legal rulings. He has exposed critical institutional lapses, including custodial safety violations and the misuse of the National Security Act (NSA). Wildlife Conservation (Project Cheetah): Anand is a leading reporter on Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park. He has provided extensive coverage of the biological and administrative hurdles of rewilding Namibian and South African cheetahs, as well as high-profile cases of wildlife trafficking. Public Health & Social Safety: His recent investigative work has uncovered systemic negligence in public services, such as contaminated blood transfusions causing HIV infections in thalassemia patients and the human cost of the fertilizer crisis affecting rural farmers. Professional Background Tenure: Joined The Indian Express in 2017. Locations: Transitioned from the high-pressure Delhi City beat (covering courts, police, and labor issues) to his current role as a regional lead in Madhya Pradesh. Notable Investigations: * Exposed the "digital arrest" scams targeting entrepreneurs. Investigated the Bandhavgarh elephant deaths and the impact of kodo millet fungus on local wildlife. Documented the transition of power and welfare schemes (like Ladli Behna) in Madhya Pradesh governance. Digital & Professional Presence Author Profile: Anand Mohan J at Indian Express Twitter handle: @mohanreports ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Loading Taboola...
Advertisement
Advertisement