Bhopal lawyers protest following alleged police assault of advocate

Lawyers in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, have launched widespread protests following allegations that police officers assaulted advocate Rakesh Rawal. The incident reportedly occurred late Tuesday night when officers from the Jahangirabad police station stopped Rawal’s vehicle. According to the complainant, the confrontation escalated into physical abuse, with allegations that he was dragged and beaten with sticks.

In response to the incident, the police department has suspended three personnel: Jahangirabad Station House Officer (TI) Rajan Singh Ahirwar, Constable Yash Lakhera, and Constable Ramswaroop. The suspended officers have been assigned to a reserve center pending an investigation.

Despite the suspensions, protesting lawyers have demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the Station House Officer. The demonstrations included a blockade of roads near the court premises and the Jail Pahari area, causing significant traffic disruptions. Protesters also halted legal proceedings at the court as a form of resistance.