When protectors turn perpetrators

Cops go on a rampage every now and then almost as if they are licensed to do so. But rarely ever do we hear them being punished for ghastly acts of violence perpetrated on innocent and peaceful protestors or other harmless citizens of their ilk.

This sentiment was reflected in the response of many who watched, to their horror and absolute dismay, Mumbai cops brutally beating up medical students outside Raj Niwas, official residence of Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna.

Viewers variously termed the gory sight as “horrendous”, “beastly”, “shameful”, “dreadful” and “inhuman”. Cops did not bother to first use water cannons or teargas shells-as is the norm-to disperse slogan-shouting students agitated over the reservation issue.

The white apron-sporting girls and boys were meted out third degree treatment as if they were hardened criminals. All this on the main road and in full public view. As usual, an enquiry has been ordered. No further action, no compensation for victims of custodial violence.

Mumbai top cop was busy explaining the helplessness of a disciplined and law abiding force that only enforced certain provisions of the law meant to disperse an unlawful assembly.

State’s minister too found fault with the demonstrators as they informed the media about their action plan instead of the cops. He however, does not seem to have pondered over the widening of gap between citizens and law enforcing agencies.

There have been many instances of misuse of power starting from the Jallianwala Bagh incident. Rulers have changed since then. Mindsets, alas, have not.

To prevent increasing instances of incidents like this, Code of Police Act, Criminal Procedure and Indian Penal Code need to be suitably amended in consonance with democratic principles and covenants of human rights. Noted constitution expert and civil rights exponent Soli J Sorabjee is busy screening the two widely misused statutes.

He is expected to submit his recommendations to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Sorabjee also feels the need for an “attitude change” in the police force. The new Police Act may reflect people’s expectation that their basic rights are not violated with impunity by the State.

Recently, the Supreme Court also talked of intimate relationship between the cops. “Rarely in cases of police torture or custodial death, would direct ocular evidence of the complicity of the police personnel be available...” Judges observed.

Yes, justice and truth are always the victims of this nexus between cops, ruling class and the perpetrators of crimes against society.