Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Sep 6: A man accused of fatally assaulting his live-in partner at a bus stand in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar city was allegedly beaten by police during a crime scene reconstruction, with an officer defending the action as a response to the brutality of the murder.

A video showing the accused, identified as Faizal Lakhani, tied with ropes and dragged around while being beaten with a baton during the reconstruction on Saturday was widely circulated on social media.

Neelam Bagh police station Inspector D P Unadkat said the accused’s alleged assault on the woman in full public view had severely damaged the image of the police and contributed to a perception among the public that law and order had collapsed.

Unadkat said police felt compelled to “go the extra mile”, describing the case as a “rarest of rare” incident. He claimed the action was intended to send a strong message to criminals following the public outrage over the killing.

The victim, Kajal Baraiya, and Lakhani had reportedly been living together on a footpath in Bhavnagar for nearly seven years. Lakhani has a criminal record, including cases related to robbery and other serious offences.

According to police, Lakhani had recently been released from jail and learned that Kajal was in a relationship with his acquaintance Ravi. A confrontation followed on Thursday, during which Lakhani allegedly assaulted both Kajal and Ravi.

Kajal was admitted to the government-run Sir T Hospital in Bhavnagar but succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment. Lakhani was arrested on Friday on charges of murder.

The police action has also raised questions in view of restrictions issued by the Gujarat government against publicly humiliating or assaulting accused persons.

During a suo motu public interest litigation before the Gujarat High Court concerning alleged public beating of accused persons by a police officer in Surat, the amicus curiae had referred to a Home Department circular issued on May 7.

The circular reportedly prohibits practices such as forcing accused persons to perform sit-ups, crawl on their knees, or kicking and beating them with sticks in public. It warned that officers found engaging in such conduct would face strict disciplinary action, while senior officers in the concerned area could also be held accountable.

The incident has therefore triggered concerns over police conduct and the use of physical punishment against accused persons during investigations, even as authorities continue to probe the murder of Kajal Baraiya.