Balveer Singh, a former Assistant Superintendent of Police in Ambasamudram, is facing accusations of severe custodial torture, including the extraction of teeth from 15 suspects and the crushing of the testicles of individuals held at Vikramasingapuram, Ambasamudram, and Kallidaikurichi police stations.
Yet, what is absolutely insane is that despite the serious allegations against him, the Tamil Nadu government has reinstated Balveer Singh, who had been suspended by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in March of the previous year.
The suspension was announced in the state assembly due to Singh’s involvement in cases of custodial torture.
However, Singh, a 2020 batch IPS officer originally from Tonk, Rajasthan, has now been reinstated, raising concerns about the accountability of law and judicial custodians.
An official from the state home ministry stated that Singh’s suspension had exceeded a six-month period, and the police department expressed concerns about the potential detrimental impact of an indefinite suspension on his career, especially considering the lengthy duration of the trial.
The official pointed out that with the investigation concluded and the case now before the judiciary for trial, revoking Singh’s suspension is believed to have no adverse effects on the ongoing legal proceedings.
Alarm Bells, Alleged Custodial Torture, Shocking Details
This development raises questions about the accountability and ethical standards within the law enforcement system, as the government reinstates a former officer accused of serious human rights violations despite the ongoing trial against him.
Singh stands accused of employing various torture methods on suspects, utilizing specialized equipment.
Throughout the purported torture sessions, he would reportedly don casual attire, hand gloves, and sandals. Disturbingly, allegations include the extraction of suspects’ teeth using sharp jelly rocks and the crushing of their testicles, coupled with coercive measures such as forcing them to clean their own blood.
Restrictions on Singh’s Duties
Following the reinstatement of the suspended officer, it has been declared that Singh will not be assigned any law and order-related duties or roles involving public interaction.
Additionally, there is contemplation of surrendering him back to the National Police Academy, according to a statement from a home ministry official.
Ramifications of Inaction Against Singh
Rather than initiating a First Information Report (FIR), an initial inquiry had been ordered against Singh; however, the failure to take prompt action against Singh led to the removal of numerous police personnel.
Criticism was directed at the government and the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police for allegedly shielding Singh. Subsequently, Singh was eventually booked for custodial torture, and those accused of assisting him or neglecting to act were removed from their positions.
Telangana Police Involved in Violent Incident
In yet another disturbing reality a video circulating on social media has captured a disturbing incident involving two Telangana policewomen who were seen on a scooty chasing and forcefully pulling a female protester by her hair.
The forceful action caused the girl to fall and cry out in pain; the victim, affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), was participating in a protest at PJTSAU (Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University) on Wednesday.
Leaders from the opposition, including Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha, have expressed grave concerns about police brutality and have called for decisive action.
Kavitha took to social media, stating, “The recent incident involving Telangana police is deeply concerning and unacceptable. Dragging a peaceful student protester and resorting to abrasive behavior raises serious questions about the necessity of such aggressive tactics by the police.”
Demand for Apology and Human Rights Commission Involvement
BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha has demanded an apology from the Telangana Police and urged the National Human Rights Commission to intervene in the matter.
Kavitha emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “This arrogant behavior demands an unconditional apology from the Telangana Police. Urging the Human Rights Commission to take swift and strict action against those involved. Such behavior cannot become a norm and must be condemned by all.”
The Viewpoint – When Law and Judicial Custodians Become Unruly Demons Instead
These incidents involving law enforcement officers, such as the shocking allegations against IPS Officer Balveer Singh and the distressing video footage of Telangana Police dragging a protesting student by her hair, and many more; a disconcerting pattern emerges where those entrusted with upholding the law become perpetrators of injustice.
These occurrences raise serious concerns about the erosion of ethical standards and the abuse of power within the custodial and judicial systems.
The accusations against Balveer Singh, including the gruesome acts of custodial torture such as extracting teeth and crushing testicles, exemplify a blatant abuse of authority.
What is particularly alarming is the reinstatement of Singh by the Tamil Nadu government despite the severity of the charges. This decision not only sabotages the credibility of the justice system but also sends a disturbing message about the accountability of custodians of the law.
At the same time, the case of Telangana Police dragging a student protester by her hair illustrates a bold display of excessive force.
The viral video depicting this incident not only shocked the public but also prompted strong reactions from opposition leaders like Kalvakuntla Kavitha, who rightly expressed serious concerns about police brutality.
Such incidents spotlight a worrisome trend where law enforcement, instead of ensuring justice and order, becomes an instrument of oppression.
The notion that those who are meant to uphold justice can turn into unruly demons challenges the very foundation of a fair and just society.
It raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms, the need for reforms in police training and accountability measures, and the urgency to protect the rights of individuals against abuse of power.
Hence, it becomes crucial for society to demand transparency, accountability, and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice. The custodians of law and order must be held to the highest standards of integrity, and any deviation from these standards should be met with swift and decisive action.
The Last Bit, The incidents involving Balveer Singh and the Telangana Police are examples of the need for a systemic overhaul that ensures the trust and confidence of the public in the institutions meant to safeguard justice and uphold the rule of law.
Custodians of justice seem to have turned into unruly demons, and no one should be above the law!
