The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated action over the assault of a journalist by two Punjab Police personnel in the Batala area of Gurdaspur district.
A press note released Monday stated, “The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report about a journalist assaulted by two Punjab Police officers in full public view.”
Journalist Thrashed Only For Asking About Police Presence In The Area
“Reportedly, in a video grab of the incident, the victim could be seen lying motionless as the police personnel walked away after assaulting him, “It further stated.
The journalist has been identified as Balwinder Singh, who was thrashed by the police personnel on Aug 1.
The press note further said, “The two police personnel were deployed in the Batala area ahead of Independence Day. They reportedly attacked the journalist for asking why they were standing there.
As per the ANI, a video of the incident, which surfaced on August 7 and quickly went viral, shows the journalist being brutally beaten in broad daylight on a busy street.
Grave Violation Of Human Rights And Abuse Of Power: NHRC
In the 2-minute 16-second footage, it is seen that they repeatedly punch and kick Singh, who eventually collapses into a waterlogged pothole.
Taking note of the incident, the Commission has stated that it is a grave violation of human rights and abuse of power.
The Commission has issued a notice to the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, demanding a comprehensive report within two weeks.
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