Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Meerut Police Denies Outgoing SSP Torture Allegations After Protest Arrest
Digvijay Bhatti says police officers in Meerut detained and badly beat him.
He says the alleged beating injured his eye and caused other bruises.
Bhatti says he was trying to explain that he had not attended a protest.
The protest was about the murder investigation of college student Lalita Gautam.
Police had charged 63 protesters after the demonstration became violent.
Meerut Police denies beating Bhatti.
Police says Bhatti and Mohit Jatav fell when their scooter skidded.
The two sides therefore give very different explanations for Bhatti’s injuries.
BKU B.R. Ambedkar faction president Digvijay Bhatti accused outgoing Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey and police personnel of detaining and beating him.
Bhatti alleged that a kick injured his eye and doctors said only 30% of his eyesight could be treated.
The allegations followed police action against Dalit protesters on July 8 over the murder investigation of college student Lalita Gautam.
Police booked 63 protesters, including 13 named individuals and 50 unidentified people, under provisions including attempt to murder.
Meerut Police denied the assault claim, saying Bhatti and Mohit Jatav were history-sheeters who injured themselves when their scooter skidded.
- Who
- Digvijay Bhatti accused outgoing Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey and other police personnel; Meerut Police denied the allegations.
- What
- Bhatti alleged detention and third-degree torture inside a police office, while police said his injuries resulted from a scooter accident.
- When
- Bhatti said he met the SSP on Wednesday; the protest and police action took place on July 8. Police cited a General Diary entry made at 5:31 p.m. on August 19, 2026.
- Where
- The alleged assault was said to have occurred inside the SSP’s office in Meerut; police referenced Civil Lines police station.
- Why
- Bhatti said he sought removal of his name from a protest-related FIR because he claimed he was not present; police said cases were already registered against him and Mohit Jatav.
Bhatti’s Allegations
Meerut Police’s Account
Cause of injuries
Bhatti’s Allegations
Bhatti alleged that SSP Avinash Pandey and three or four others took him into a cabin and beat him with elbows, kicks and other assaults.
Meerut Police’s Account
Police said Bhatti and Mohit Jatav fell and were injured when their scooter skidded while they were returning home.
Reason for police contact
Bhatti’s Allegations
Bhatti said he met the SSP to explain that he was not present at the Lalita Gautam protest and to request removal of his name from the FIR.
Meerut Police’s Account
Police said the two men came to Civil Lines police station to discuss matters related to cases registered against them.
Legal status
Bhatti’s Allegations
Bhatti said he and others were falsely implicated and maintained that he was innocent.
Meerut Police’s Account
Police said several cases were already registered against Bhatti and Jatav and described both as history-sheeters of their respective police stations.
- Accuser
- Digvijay Bhatti, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union’s B.R. Ambedkar faction
- Officer accused
- Outgoing Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey
- Protest date
- July 8
- Protest issue
- Demands for action over the murder of college student Lalita Gautam
- People booked
- 63 protesters: 13 named and 50 unidentified
- Reported injury
- Bhatti alleged an injured eye and said doctors estimated only 30% of his eyesight could be treated
- Police record
- Police said the incident was recorded in General Diary Entry No. 53 at 5:31 p.m.