Patna: Three police officers in Arrah town have been suspended for allegedly beating up two leaders of ruling JD(U) student wing who tried to climb dais during a programme of former chief minister Nitish Kumar last week.
"Three Station House Officers have been put under suspension last night and an inquiry has been ordered by Zonal Inspector General of Police, Patna into the incident for further action against officials responsible for beating activists of 'Chhatra Samagam', the student wing of JD(U)," Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Gupteshwar Pandey said today.
The Zonal IG has been told to submit his probe report within 24 hours to ascertain role of a Additional Superintendent of Police level officer and others in the incident, Pandey said.
Two 'Chhatra Samagam' leaders of Bhojpur district were beaten up by police after being picked up from their houses on Saturday night for trying to climb dais during a programme of Nitish Kumar in the town during his 'Samparak yatra' on Friday last.
Samagam workers had staged protest yesterday and forced Education Minister Brishen Patel to change route during stir.
The two were released from police custody only on intervention of the minister. The two have been sent to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for treatment.
When a question was asked to Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today regarding beating up of 'Chhatra Samagam' leaders, he told reporters that Samagam leaders could never be criminal and their beating up was wrong.
He said besides suspension of three SHOs more actions would be initiated against others after probe.
JD(U) also criticised police brutality against Samagam leaders and demanded lawful action against guilty immediately.
"Police action against 'Chhatra Samagam' leaders at Ara was against law. Action shall be taken against other police officials guilty in the incident soon," state party spokesman Neeraj Kumar told reporters here.
Opposition BJP used the incident to attack JD(U).
"The incident reflects the situation prevailing in the state under JD(U) government," BJP MLC Nawal Kishore Yadav said.
