3 hrs ago
Bhopal Lawyers Protest After Alleged Police Assault, Suspensions
Lawyers in Bhopal said a police officer and two constables hurt a lawyer at a police station.
They protested outside the police station and later near the district court.
The protest blocked roads and caused traffic problems.
Police suspended the station in-charge and the two constables.
Police also ordered an inquiry that must report within seven days.
The lawyers said these steps were not enough.
They burned an effigy of the Police Commissioner and demanded a formal police case.
A case was registered against the three policemen late Wednesday.
Police said they were investigating claims made by both sides.
Lawyers protested outside Bhopal’s district court over the alleged assault of lawyer Rakesh Rawal at Jahangirabad police station.
Police suspended the station in-charge and two constables and ordered a preliminary inquiry.
About 50 lawyers demonstrated outside the police station until around 3 a.m. before gathering near the court.
The protesters blocked roads, disrupted traffic, burned an effigy of the Police Commissioner, and demanded an FIR.
A case was later registered against the station in-charge and two constables over Rawal’s assault allegation.
- Who
- Lawyers, lawyer Rakesh Rawal, and Jahangirabad police station personnel, including Rajan Singh Ahirwar and two constables.
- What
- Lawyers protested an alleged assault on Rawal; three policemen were suspended, an inquiry was ordered, and a case was registered.
- Where
- At Jahangirabad police station and near the district court in Bhopal, including roads around Arera Hills.
- When
- The alleged assault followed an altercation on Tuesday night; protests occurred Wednesday, and the case was registered late Wednesday night.
- Why
- Lawyers sought action against policemen they alleged assaulted Rawal and demanded an FIR.
Lawyers’ Allegations
Police Response
Account of the incident
Lawyers’ Allegations
Rakesh Rawal alleged that the station in-charge and two constables took him to the police station and assaulted him with batons, causing serious injuries.
Police Response
Additional Police Commissioner Shailendra Singh Chauhan said allegations by both sides and the action taken at the police station were being investigated.
Demand for action
Lawyers’ Allegations
Lawyers demanded an FIR against the policemen and continued protesting despite the suspensions.
Police Response
Police suspended three personnel, ordered a preliminary inquiry, and said further action would follow its report.
Key facts
- Location
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Alleged victim
- Lawyer Rakesh Rawal
- Suspended personnel
- Station in-charge Rajan Singh Ahirwar and constables Yash Lakhera and Ram Swaroop
- Inquiry deadline
- The preliminary inquiry report is due within seven days
- Protest size
- Around 50 lawyers protested outside the police station
- Traffic impact
- Road blockades disrupted traffic across Arera Hills and adjoining routes
- Police case
- A case was registered late Wednesday night against the station in-charge and two constables









