A disturbing incident highlighting alleged high-handedness by traffic police has surfaced in Vadodara. A youth riding a motorcycle without a number plate and with a modified silencer was allegedly assaulted by traffic cops. While the police denied beating him, CCTV and body-worn camera footage released by the authorities themselves appears to contradict their claims.
Three press briefings, but questions remain
The Vadodara Police held three press conferences in a single day, with two ACPs and a DCP addressing the issue. Officials maintained that only minimal force was used to restrain the youth. However, the CCTV and bodycam visuals shared by the police seem to show otherwise, raising serious doubts over their version of events.
Allegations of brutality
The incident occurred when Kaushal Jat, a 30-year-old resident of Manjalpur, was passing through Dandiya Bazaar on his Bullet motorcycle. Jat alleged that he was made to sit inside a police van and beaten. He further claimed that he was taken to the Sayajiganj Traffic Police Station, where an ACP and other constables assaulted him, forced him to the ground, climbed on his chest and injured his private parts.
Jat is currently undergoing treatment at Sayaji Hospital, where visible injury marks have reportedly been found on his body.
Police version
Traffic ACP D M Vyas stated that the youth was violating traffic rules and allegedly grabbed a policeman’s collar during the action. According to the police, the youth turned aggressive, forcing officers to use a baton to control him. A case of obstruction of duty has been registered against Jat at Raopura Police Station.
Unanswered questions
The incident has raised several serious questions:
- If the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Raopura Police Station, why was the youth taken to the traffic police office?
- When CCTV footage reportedly shows the youth being beaten, why did senior officials deny the assault during press briefings?
- Is such alleged use of force justified for a routine traffic violation?
The case has sparked public outrage and intensified scrutiny of police conduct in the city.