Police Brutality in Muzaffarpur...

 

Police Brutality in Muzaffarpur: Man Beaten Overnight, Extorted for ₹70,000

Muzaffarpur, March 14, 2025: A shocking case of police brutality has emerged from Muzaffarpur, where a man was allegedly tortured overnight in custody after he went to secure the release of his brother-in-law. The victim claims that the police not only subjected him to inhumane physical assault but also extorted ₹70,000 from him before letting him go.

Incident Details

The victim, Ramesh Kumar, approached the local police station seeking bail for his detained brother-in-law. Instead of being given a fair hearing, he was reportedly taken into custody himself, stripped, and brutally beaten with lathis throughout the night.

After suffering through hours of violence, he was allegedly forced to withdraw ₹70,000 from an ATM, following which he was finally allowed to leave. His injuries, including severe bruises on his legs and back, are clear evidence of the brutality inflicted upon him.

Police Denial and Response

Despite the overwhelming evidence, the police have denied the allegations, claiming that the case is being exaggerated to tarnish the department’s reputation. The station in-charge has stated that an internal investigation is underway and that appropriate action will be taken if any officers are found guilty.

However, given the history of police misconduct in India, many remain skeptical about any real accountability.

Options Available to the Victim for Justice

Despite the deeply rooted corruption in the system, there are several legal remedies available to victims of police brutality in India:

  1. Filing an FIR Against the Police Officers:

    • The victim can approach a senior police officer or the Magistrate under Section 154(3) CrPC if the local police refuse to register a case.
    • If the case is still ignored, he can file a complaint in court under Section 156(3) CrPC to direct an investigation.

  2. Approaching the National and State Human Rights Commissions (NHRC/SHRC):

    • The NHRC can investigate human rights violations by police officers and recommend action, including compensation.

  3. Filing a Writ Petition in the High Court or Supreme Court:

    • Under Article 32 (Supreme Court) or Article 226 (High Court), the victim can seek justice for fundamental rights violations, including police brutality and illegal detention.

  4. Demanding Judicial Inquiry or Independent Investigation:

    • A petition can be filed demanding an independent inquiry by the CBI or judicial magistrate.

  5. Seeking Compensation for Torture and Illegal Detention:

    • The victim can seek monetary compensation from the government for wrongful torture and extortion.

  6. Media and Public Awareness:

    • Raising awareness through media and social platforms can pressure authorities to take action.

Is India Still Functioning Like a British-Era Police State?

This case is yet another reminder that, despite gaining independence, the police system in India still operates with a colonial mindset. The British created the police force to oppress and control rather than serve and protect the public. Unfortunately, the same culture of brutality, corruption, and lack of accountability continues even today.

  • Torture, custodial deaths, and extortion by police remain rampant.
  • Ordinary citizens fear police stations as much as criminals do.
  • Victims of police violence rarely get justice due to a lack of accountability mechanisms.

The recent incident in Muzaffarpur highlights the urgent need for police reforms, strict action against erring officers, and a shift towards community policing rather than oppressive policing. Until then, the justice system will continue to fail victims like Ramesh Kumar, and India will remain trapped in the shadows of its colonial past.

What Next?

With political pressure mounting, senior officials have promised a fair investigation. However, whether the guilty officers will actually be punished remains uncertain. The victim must now use every legal and constitutional right available to fight for justice—not just for himself but for countless others suffering under an outdated, oppressive police system.


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