Uttar Pradesh rights panel seeks report from cops

The Uttar Pradesh human rights commission has pulled up the state police for the brutal assault of an eight-year-old Dalit girl by some policemen for allegedly stealing Rs 280 and sought a report by Feb 26.

The Uttar Pradesh human rights commission has pulled up the state police for the brutal assault of an eight-year-old Dalit girl by some policemen for allegedly stealing Rs 280 and sought a report by Feb 26, an official said on Saturday.

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In a shocking display of brutality witnessed by TV viewers across India, police in Kailokhar village of Etawah district on Jan 3 yanked the little girl, Komal, by her hair, twisted her ears and rained blows on her inside a police station.

"Expressing concern over the incident that took place in a village in Etawah, the state human rights commission has directed Etawah superintendent of police KS Singh to furnish the report in any case by Feb 26," a senior police officer said.

However, a district police official pleaded ignorance about the letter. "I am not sure about any letter sent by the state human rights' panel. I will get it confirmed from my office staff. If the human rights has sought a report, we will definitely submit it within the stipulated time," he said.

Six policemen, including a district superintendent of police (DSP), a sub-inspector and a station house officer (SHO), have been punished for the assault and torture of the girl.