Police brutality and corruption often have devastating consequences for ordinary people. A tragic incident in Patna, Bihar, recently highlighted this issue when a 23-year-old man died after being arrested on suspicion of illegal drinking, despite his urgent need for medical help after a snake bite.
According to Ram, a relative of the victim, Prasad was bitten by a snake in their agricultural field in Nimiyatand village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Chainpur Police Station. On Wednesday, Prasad, panicked and in pain, ran toward the nearest hospital for treatment. However, on his way, he was stopped by a patrolling police unit. The officers allegedly mistook his urgency for an attempt to flee after consuming alcohol illegally.
Ram claimed that despite Prasad repeatedly telling the police that he had been bitten by a snake and was rushing to get medical help, the officers ignored his pleas. Instead, they held him for three hours and demanded a bribe of Rs. 2,000 for his release. Even though Prasad's situation was critical, the police allegedly refused to believe him or offer any assistance.
Prasad's elder brother, Ram, arrived at the police station three hours later with Rs. 700 and managed to get him released. Unfortunately, by the time Prasad was freed and rushed to the hospital, it was too late. The delayed treatment led to his death due to the prolonged effects of the snake bite.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Shiv Shankar Kumar has denied all allegations of bribery. In response to the family's claims, Kaimur Superintendent of Police Lalit Mohan Sharma has initiated an official inquiry. He has ordered SDPO Shiv Shankar Kumar to submit a report within three days, after which appropriate actions will be taken if the allegations are proven.
The SDPO has been asked to probe into the incident and submit a report within three days. Actions against the officers, if found guilty, will be taken once we get the probe report,
Lalit Mohan Sharma, Superintendent of Police
Prasad’s family remains devastated, believing that the police's negligence and demand for a bribe during such a critical moment led to his untimely death. The incident raises serious questions about police conduct, especially in cases where urgent medical attention is involved. Had the police acted swiftly or even believed Prasad’s plea, his life might have been saved.
My brother repeatedly told the cops that he was bitten by a snake, and that he was running to reach the nearby hospital, but they didn't pay heed and demanded Rs 2,000 in lieu of his release. This wasted a lot of precious time leading to my brother's death.
Ram, Victim's Elder Brother
As the investigation continues, this incident is likely to draw attention to broader issues of police corruption and the need for urgent reforms. Cases of police misconduct, including demands for bribes and delays in critical situations, have plagued law enforcement in India for years, and this tragic death highlights the severe consequences such actions can have.
The inquiry report expected in the coming days will shed more light on the exact events that led to Prasad's death. For now, his family seeks justice, hoping that those responsible for this needless loss of life will be held accountable.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
