Sheikhpura: An e-rickshaw driver in Bihar has alleged that a police officer forced him to spit on the ground and lick it after abusing him with casteist slurs. The incident took place on Monday evening when Pradyuman Kumar, an e-rickshaw driver, was returning from Mehus village in Sheikhpura district around 7.30 pm after dropping a passenger.
Pradyuman said a bike rider overtook and stopped him, began abusing him, and accused him of drinking alcohol after smelling his mouth. When no proof of alcohol consumption was found, Pradyuman was beaten and taken to the Mehus police station, where station in-charge Praveen Chandra Diwakar allegedly thrashed him with sticks and abused him further.
He claimed the SHO asked for his caste, and upon hearing that he was a Brahmin, said he hated Brahmins and did not even like seeing them. The officer then allegedly forced him to spit on the ground and lick it inside the police station.
Pradyuman’s family admitted him to Sheikhpura Sadar Hospital due to serious injuries. The local MLA, Sudarshan Kumar, has demanded an impartial investigation into the matter. Sheikhpura ASP Dr Rakesh confirmed that a video of the incident had gone viral and prima facie the allegations appeared true. The SHO has been suspended pending inquiry.
