Allegations of custodial violence against farmer leaders Dr. Digvijay Bhati and Mohit Jatav at the Meerut SSP office and SOG premises have triggered administrative action, with eight police personnel sent to the lines and a DIG-led inquiry ordered.
MEERUT — The alleged custodial violence involving National Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan-linked leaders Dr. Digvijay Bhati and Mohit Jatav has intensified after eyewitness statements and complaints brought fresh allegations about what happened on August 19. The two leaders had gone to the then SSP Avinash Pandey’s office in connection with an existing case and a recently opened history sheet against Jatav.
Key Highlights
- Eight police personnel, including the then Civil Lines SHO Akhilesh Kumar Gaur, have been sent to the police lines.
- The leaders allege that they were assaulted at the SSP chamber and later subjected to prolonged custodial violence at the SOG office.
- A DIG-level inquiry is examining CCTV footage and the locations linked to the allegations, while farmer and political groups have demanded further action.
Why the farmer leaders went to the SSP office
The dispute was linked to an earlier July protest seeking a fair investigation into the Lalita Gautam murder case. Police had registered a case against Dr. Digvijay Bhati and 63 others under provisions including BNS Section 109 following the July 8 demonstration by Dalit and farmer organisations.
Separately, Bhati and Mohit Jatav had sought to present their side regarding cases against them and a history sheet recently opened against Jatav by Bhawwanpur police. According to the supplied account, they reached the police office on August 19 after being called to meet then SSP Avinash Pandey.
Allegations of assault inside the SSP chamber
During statements recorded in connection with the inquiry, Bhati and Jatav alleged that violence began inside the SSP chamber. Bhati alleged that he was beaten with boots and belts and suffered a serious injury to his left eye after being struck there.
The allegations further state that both men were taken from the premises with cloth covering their faces and transported to the SOG office in the old police lines. The account alleges that they were restrained there and subjected to repeated physical assault over several hours.
Claims of prolonged torture at the SOG office
The leaders have alleged that the period of detention at the SOG premises lasted around 10 hours. Their statements include allegations that their hands and feet were restrained, that they were suspended upside down, and that blows were repeatedly delivered to their feet and lower back with sticks and straps.
The supplied material also cites reports by Aaj Tak and India Today concerning allegations of humiliating treatment, including being forced to remove clothes and dance while a song was played on a mobile phone. The leaders further alleged that when they became unconscious, water was given to revive them before the alleged assault continued.
Dispute over the police accident account
Police initially attributed the men’s injuries to a scooter accident. A General Diary entry, identified in the supplied material as GD Entry No. 53, reportedly recorded that both had been injured after falling from a scooter.
Eyewitness Mohammad Faizal disputed that account, saying the two leaders had arrived at the SSP office in a white Scorpio. The victims and the eyewitness also alleged that signatures were obtained on an account describing the injuries as accidental.
Late-night intervention and hospitalisation
As news of the incident spread, Samajwadi Party Sardhana MLA Atul Pradhan reached the Civil Lines police station late at night with supporters. The supplied account says he took the two leaders from the police station and arranged immediate hospital treatment after their condition raised concern.
Dr. Digvijay Bhati was later admitted to Meerut’s Anand Hospital after developing severe eye pain, reduced hearing in one ear and extremely low blood pressure. The account says injuries were observed on the bodies of the two leaders after they were taken for medical care.
SSP removed as eight police personnel face action
Amid growing political and administrative pressure, the then Meerut SSP Avinash Pandey was removed from his post and attached to the DGP headquarters in Lucknow. Dr. Vipin Tada (BBGTS Murthy) subsequently took charge as Meerut’s new SSP.
Eight police personnel were sent to the police lines: then Civil Lines SHO Akhilesh Kumar Gaur, Sub-Inspector Mulayam Singh, Head Constables Hariom and Shyam Babu, Constables Sumit Kumar and Mukesh Kumar, Woman Constable Neelam Laur, and driver Lalit Kumar.
DIG inquiry examines CCTV footage
According to the supplied material, ADG Meerut Zone Bhanu Bhaskar directed that Saharanpur Range DIG Abhishek Singh investigate the allegations. The DIG examined the locations involved, including the old SOG building and the SSP office, and CCTV footage was also reviewed.
The inquiry was directed to submit its report within three days. The investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events and examine competing accounts surrounding the alleged injuries and detention.
Political pressure grows over the allegations
SP president Akhilesh Yadav and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad criticised the alleged police conduct and demanded suspension and FIR action against officials found responsible. The Bharatiya Kisan Union and Gurjar Mahasabha have also warned of a larger protest if they believe the investigation is not impartial.
The farmer organisations are seeking departmental suspension and registration of an FIR against those found responsible. Meanwhile, the administrative inquiry remains central to determining the facts behind the allegations made by the two leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Meerut farmer leaders custodial violence case?
It concerns allegations by Dr. Digvijay Bhati and Mohit Jatav that they were assaulted at the SSP office and later subjected to custodial violence at the SOG premises on August 19.
How many police personnel were sent to the lines?
Eight police personnel, including the then Civil Lines SHO Akhilesh Kumar Gaur, were sent to the police lines following the controversy.
Who is investigating the allegations?
Saharanpur Range DIG Abhishek Singh was assigned the inquiry following directions from ADG Meerut Zone Bhanu Bhaskar, according to the supplied material.
Why was the former Meerut SSP removed?
SSP Avinash Pandey was removed from his Meerut post and attached to the DGP headquarters in Lucknow after the allegations triggered administrative and political pressure.
The DIG inquiry, including examination of CCTV footage and the locations involved, is the key administrative process now underway. Farmer organisations have said they will seek stronger departmental and criminal action if those responsible are not held accountable.
Legal Disclaimer: The allegations described in this report are based on the supplied source material and statements attributed to the concerned parties; they have not been presented as established findings of guilt. The final facts and responsibility remain subject to the ongoing investigation and due legal process.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
