Cop assaults boy: SHRC seeks report from Commissioner

Coimbatore

The SHRC has issued a notice after the video of the incident was circulated on social media and it turned out to be another instance of police excess amid the national outrage against policemen over alleged custodial death of a father and son duo in Thoothukudi district recently.

The assault incident was a fallout of an argument that broke out between a couple running a roadside eatery on the night of June 17.

Sub-Inspector Chellamani, on his routine patrol, had asked the boy’s parents, who have kept their eatery open beyond 9 pm to shut shop as per lockdown norms. Even as the couple explained their poor circumstances to the cop and the need to make some money to meet their expenses, the 16-year-old boy took video of the incident on his mobile phone.

Infuriated by his act, the sub-inspector took away his mobile phone and the boy in return snatched the SI’s bike key. Subsequently, the cop delivered a few blows on the boy and also issued a warning to his parents that the minor will be sent to prison for his act. The boy was also taken to a police station for an inquiry, but was let off without registering a case as he was a minor. Taking cognizance, the SHRC has issued a notice to the police commissioner seeking a report within two weeks.