Ahmedabad Rural Police suspend PSI accused of assaulting visually impaired man

A Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) posted at Changodar Police Station has been suspended after allegations that she assaulted a visually impaired middle-aged man inside Gujarat University Police Station, Ahmedabad Rural Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat confirmed on Wednesday.

The suspended officer, Sonal Rathod, was accused of physically assaulting Gopalbhai Darji, a visually impaired man, following an incident involving her minor son. The case had sparked controversy after reports emerged that the victim was allegedly beaten inside the police station and later hospitalised with injuries.

Confirming the action to Gujarat Samachar Digital, SP Jat said disciplinary proceedings had been initiated and Rathod had been suspended from duty over the alleged assault.

According to the allegations, Darji, who runs a small cabin shop in Ahmedabad, had earlier confronted a child whom he suspected of damaging items at his shop. The matter was subsequently reported to the police, following which Darji was brought to Gujarat University Police Station for inquiry.

The victim alleged that he was made to remain at the police station for several hours while police attempted to resolve the dispute. He claimed that later in the evening, Rathod arrived at the police station and assaulted him, allegedly kicking, slapping and striking him with a stick.

Darji was subsequently admitted to hospital for treatment of injuries, including an injury to his eye.

The incident drew widespread attention after allegations surfaced that the victim's complaint was not registered immediately despite the seriousness of the accusations.

According to the victim, Rathod later visited his residence after the matter received media attention and attempted to resolve the dispute. It was also alleged that a police constable from Vejalpur Police Station was sent to facilitate a compromise between the parties.