Transfer DCP for impartial probe into Surat assault: Gujarat HC

The Gujarat High Court on Friday orally directed the state government to transfer the deputy commissioner of police in Surat who was seen on video assaulting handcuffed accused persons in public. A division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray was hearing a suo motu PIL after a lawyer's written complaint about the July 14 incident.

The court said the preliminary inquiry ordered by the Director General of Police cannot be impartial if the officer remains at his post. Hindustan Times reports the bench observed that other police personnel who witnessed the incident will not speak while a senior officer is still posted there. LiveLaw reports the court said the incident is at a public place and videos have been circulated, so the officer must be transferred.

The government pleader told the court the DGP had ordered an inquiry under the additional commissioner of police (crime) in Surat city, and statements of people identified in the videos have been recorded. The case will be heard next on August 21.