Maharashtra: Police assault youths after Beed deputy SP manhandled

AURANGABAD: Police allegedly assaulted some youths soon after people who had gathered for vaccination at the district and civil hospital in Beed on Wednesday manhandled deputy superintendent of police Santosh Walke.
Police’s alleged excesses, including thrashing with sticks and youths running away to save themselves, have been caught on CCTV cameras installed on the hospital premises.
A woman constable lodged a complaint against the youths, following which they were arrested on various charges, including use of criminal force to deter public servant from performing duty and voluntarily causing hurt for malignantly doing act likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life.
Taking cognizance of the CCTV footage and videos of the alleged assault, superintendent of police R Raja has ordered a probe into the incident.
“Due to lack of planning and coordination by the health authorities, there was absolute chaos and rampant violation of the social-distancing norm on the hospital premises . Police were compelled to intervene for regulating the crowd, during which some people manhandled the cops, including the deputy superintendent of police,” he said
The officer said that he received some videos also on the incident. “Depending on the outcome of the inquiry, appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty.”
According to sources in the police department, a large number of people gathered at the hospital for vaccination. When the second dose started, those waiting for the first dose were reportedly informed that they would have to come later, resulting into chaos.
“Fearing that the situation could take an ugly turn, police sent and alert seeking additional force. Based on the alert, deputy SP Walke, along with a squad reached the spot, when some youths allegedly manhandled him, following which police allegedly assaulted them,” the sources said.