ASI suspended for thrashing minor girl during helmet checking

Baripada: Irate locals staged protest before the Town Police Station here after a police official thrashed a minor girl during a helmet checking drive on Monday. The policeman was later suspended for dereliction of duty today.

ASI Sushant Mahakud of Town Police Station allegedly thrashed a minor girl during helmet checking drive following which locals staged a road blockade.

“A case was registered after the girl’s father lodged a complaint at Town Police Station. Prima facie, it was found that the ASI misutilised his power during duty. Mayurbanj SP placed him under suspension," SDPO Abhimanyu Nayak said.

Police launched the helmet checking drive in front of the Police Station on Monday evening. The victim along with her father was trying to escape as  they were travelling without helmet. ASI Sushant Mahakud intercepted them and allegedly roughed up the duo in which the girl sustained injuries.

Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area for quite some time as local people staged a road blockade burning tyres near the police station.

The agitators alleged that police misbehaved with the bikers even after collecting fine from them. "They collect fine from people in a very unhealthy manner. Police harassed the girl and her father. Is this the duty of police?” an agitator questioned.

Later, they called off the strike after the SDPO promised action against the erring official.