Visually impaired man alleges assault by cop at Ahmedabad police station

A visually impaired man has alleged that he was assaulted by a woman police officer inside a police station in Ahmedabad, prompting demands for an inquiry into the incident.

The complainant, Gopal Darji, who earns a living by running a small cabin shop in the Panchvati area, alleged that he was brought to Gujarat University Police Station and physically assaulted by a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) from Changodar Police Station following a dispute involving a minor boy.

Following the incident, the officer reportedly visited Darji’s residence and apologised. However, no official statement has been issued by her regarding the allegations.

Darji claimed he was slapped, kicked, and beaten with a baton inside the police station, resulting in injuries for which he is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The allegations have sparked controversy, with Darji claiming that police refused to register his complaint despite his requests.

According to Darji, the incident stemmed from an altercation at his shop. He said a minor boy had entered the cabin and, suspecting that the child might damage goods as had allegedly happened in the past, he attempted to stop him. In the process, the boy reportedly suffered a minor injury.

The boy later informed his father, who allegedly confronted Darji and contacted the police control room. Following the complaint, police personnel brought Darji to Gujarat University Police Station for questioning.

Speaking about the incident, Darji alleged that a PSI arrived at the police station and assaulted him.

“I admitted my mistake and apologised to the child’s father. Despite that, the officer assaulted me. When I asked to file a complaint, the police refused to register it,” he claimed.

Darji further alleged that he suffered injuries to his legs, eyes and ears as a result of the assault.

Attempts to obtain a response from Ahmedabad Rural Deputy Superintendent of Police Neelam Goswami were unsuccessful, with officials declining to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, Gujarat University Police Station Inspector S R Bawa offered a different version of events.

According to Bawa, the incident involved the son of the PSI. He said Darji had allegedly slapped the child after believing the boy was causing damage at his shop.

“The officer reacted in anger as a mother after learning about the injury suffered by her child and slapped the elderly man,” Bawa said.

He added that the officer was initially unaware that Darji was visually impaired and later chose not to pursue any counter-complaint after learning about his condition.

Bawa said Darji had submitted an application regarding the incident but had not formally registered a complaint.

“We have called him to the police station. If he wishes to lodge a complaint, it will be registered and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.