Police in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar allegedly beat a man accused of killing his live-in partner with sticks at a bus stand after taking him there for a crime-scene reconstruction. A video showing the police action has surfaced online.
The incident occurred during the reconstruction exercise at the Bhavnagar bus stand, where the accused was brought back to retrace the events leading up to the assault.
The accused has been identified as 20-year-old Faisal, also known as Khatki Lakhani. He was arrested in connection with the death of 40-year-old Kajalben Baraiya, with whom he had reportedly been in a live-in relationship for several years.
According to police, Kajalben suffered critical injuries after being attacked during an argument at the bus stand on September 3. She died while receiving treatment at a hospital on September 4.
Personnel from the Neelambag police station conducted the crime-scene reconstruction. Faisal was taken to the location of the assault so investigators could recreate the sequence of events and understand how the confrontation unfolded.
However, after the reconstruction, police personnel allegedly assaulted Faisal in full public view at the bus stand. Neelambag Police Inspector DP Unadkad is also alleged to have taken part in the beating.
The incident was recorded on video. The footage shows the accused surrounded by police personnel and members of the public, with sticks being used while he was being restrained.
The case originated from a confrontation involving Faisal, Kajalben and her friend Ravi Gohil on the afternoon of September 3. Police said Faisal suspected Kajalben of being in a relationship with Ravi. Ravi, however, told investigators that the argument was actually connected to alcohol consumption.
The dispute turned violent, with police alleging that Faisal pushed Kajalben to the ground before repeatedly kicking and punching her. She sustained serious injuries to her head and other parts of her body. Ravi tried to stop the assault but was also attacked and injured.
CCTV cameras installed at the bus stand captured the incident. The footage reportedly shows the assault continuing for several minutes as people nearby watched.
The video that surfaced online shows the crime-scene reconstruction as well as the subsequent treatment of the accused at the bus stand.
In the footage, several police officers and other individuals can be seen surrounding Faisal near the buses. At one stage, officers appear to hit him with sticks while restraining him and moving him around the location.
Police have registered a murder case against Faisal based on a complaint filed by Kajalben’s mother. Investigators have also taken note of his previous criminal record, which includes cases involving robbery and physical assault.
The investigation is expected to involve the collection of CCTV recordings, witness accounts, medical and post-mortem reports, along with other evidence connected to the murder.
