9 May 2024: In a recent development, the Nagpur Bench of the Mumbai High Court has taken a decisive step in the case involving alleged unlawful police brutality in Buldhana. The court has issued an appearance notice to the state administration, compelling them to respond to the serious allegations. The court’s firm stance and acknowledgment of the police’s alleged misconduct have bolstered hopes for justice among the affected community.
According to the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), the incident dates back to March 2, 2024, when a video depicting reprehensible acts of violence by the police went viral. The footage allegedly shows a sub-inspector, Nandkishor Tiwari, abusing his constitutional authority while assaulting an auto-rickshaw driver, Sheikh Matin, in the jurisdiction of Tamgaon Police Station, Sangrampur village, Paturda, in the Buldhana district. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a minor dispute between Matin, the driver, and another individual, Shekhar Noop Narayan, from the same village.
Upon being apprehended, Matin filed a formal complaint against the accused at the Tamgaon Police Station. However, instead of upholding their duty to protect society, Sub-Inspector Nandkishor Tiwari allegedly resorted to barbaric methods against Matin, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the police force.
Following the circulation of the disturbing video, the Buldhana police administration swiftly intervened, suspending the implicated officers pending further investigation. Observing the gravity of the situation and the administration’s response, the Buldhana chapter of the APCR took proactive measures. They filed a writ petition (380/24) in the Mumbai High Court, Nagpur Bench, seeking justice for the victimized individuals and accountability for Sub-Inspector Nandkishor Tiwari.
During the hearing, Justices Vinay Joshi and Rushali Joshi directed the state government, the Director-General of Police, the Superintendent of Police for Buldhana district, and the accused sub-inspector to appear before the court and submit their responses.
This significant development underscores the commitment of civil rights organizations like the APCR to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of justice. The legal representation for the case includes advocates Kashif Rahman, Shoeb Inamdar, and Abid Inamdar, who are dedicated to pursuing justice for the victims of police brutality.
The issuance of the appearance notice by the Mumbai High Court marks a crucial step towards addressing the allegations of misconduct within the police force and restoring faith in the justice system.
