AP man dies after being thrashed by police for not wearing face mask

Prakasam: Andhra Pradesh police has once again drawn criticism after a Dalit youngster was allegedly beaten by the Chirala police in Prakasam district for not wearing a face mask breathed his last while undergoing treatment on Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Y. Kiran Kumar. However, the police denied the allegations and claimed that Kiran Kumar jumped from a moving police vehicle, suffered injuries and died.

Kiran Kumar’s father, Mohan Rao, said that Kiran Kumar and his friend, S. Abraham, were travelling on a bike on July 19. SI of II Town police station (Chirala) Vijay Kumar intercepted the bike near Kothakota area in Chirala town as the duo were not wearing face masks.

Instead of imposing fines for not wearing face masks, the SI and his constables took Kiran Kumar to the police station and thrashed him mercilessly, causing severe injuries to him. The police also beat Abraham, alleged Mohan Rao.

An injured Kiran Kumar was admitted to the Government Hospital where he died on Wednesday.

Dismissing the allegations levelled by Mohan Rao, inspector of II Town police station, Chirala, Firoz said that Kiran Kumar and Abraham were travelling on the bike under the influence of liquor. When the police intercepted their bike, Kiran Kumar and Abraham entered into an argument with the police.

When the police were shifting Kiran Kumar and Abraham to the police station in the police vehicle for a counselling session, Kiran Kumar jumped from the moving vehicle and died. However, Kiran Kumar’s father Mohan Rao said that they will approach the SP, Prakasam district, to lodge a complaint against the SI, Vijay Kumar and a few police constables, for killing his son.

Mohan Rao demanded the police to register criminal cases against Vijay Kumar and his constables for violating human rights.Two days ago, East Godavari police arrested an SI and two constables of Seethanagaram police station for thrashing a Dalit youth and forcibly tonsuring his head in the police station.

Meanwhile the district Police chief has announced to form a special team to investigate into the allegations.