Soon after a video clip of one of its office bearers being thrashed by policemen went viral, the state BJP attacked the police department demanding stringent action against the officers responsible. The clip became a talking point on social media platforms with widespread condemnation.
Senior party leaders such as ex-MP Kirit Somaiya, ex-Minister Babanrao Lonikar, MLA Ram Satpute and Chitra Wagh launched a tirade against the police demanding immediate action. The clip contains the beating of Shivraj Nariyalwale, who is general secretary of Jalna district BJP Yuva Morcha.
Lonikar, who represents Partur in the state assembly is from the same district. He demanded immediate suspension of the police officers in a letter to district superintendent of police (SP). Narrating the incident in his letter, Lonikar said, Nariyalwale had gone to a hospital in Jalna with his indisposed sister. There he saw policemen verbally abusing a group of people, a relative of whom was injured in an accident. As Nariyalwale was filming the incident policemen saw him and began thrashing him mercilessly, he added saying the BJP office bearer has been active in social work through blood donation drive. He also warned of agitation if no action was taken immediately.
Meanwhile, Kirit Somaiya spoke with the district SP and he was assured immediate inquiry and action against the officers concerned, and informed the leader on Twitter.
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