Madhya Pradesh is often described as an 'Island of Peace', where the police work tirelessly to maintain law and order. The state government frequently asserts its commitment to reducing crime. However, several recent incidents have raised serious questions about the ground reality. What's alarming is that law protectors, the police officers, are now becoming targets of violence themselves. This predicament poses a troubling question: Do law enforcement officers now require protection?
Indeed, the past few months have seen a surge of attacks on police officers in Madhya Pradesh. In numerous instances, officers arrived to restore order only to be confronted and assaulted by furious mobs. This report sheds light on these shocking incidents where law enforcers became victims of public outrage.
Case 1: Deadly Assault on Police Team in Mauganj
In March, a violent encounter occurred in a village in the Shahpur police station area of Mauganj district. A police team attempting to resolve a dispute between two groups was suddenly attacked by tribal community members using sticks, stones, and other weapons. The situation spiraled out of control, trapping the officers on site. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ramcharan Gautam was killed in the attack, with the station in-charge and several officers seriously injured. The deceased ASI was posted with the 25th Battalion in Bhopal and hailed from Pavai village in the Kothi police station area of Satna. He was on the verge of retirement with just eight months to go. A heavy police force was later deployed to restore order in the area, and strict action was taken against the attackers.
Case 2: Trident Attack on Police Officer in Guna
During an anti-encroachment drive in Guna district in May, an unfortunate incident occurred when an elderly man suddenly attacked the officer in charge, Suresh Kushwaha, with a trident, injuring his arm. The individuals resisting eviction became aggressive, but the police managed to regain control of the situation in time, arresting the assailant later.
Case 3: Attack on Police During Arrest Warrant Execution in Sagar
In March, a police team executing warrants against two individuals in the Surkhi area of Sagar district was attacked. A mob of men and women surrounded the officers, pelting them with stones and leaving four injured, necessitating hospitalization. Tensions persisted until reinforcements arrived, prompting a police operation to apprehend the attackers.
Case 4: Court Marriage Dispute Leads to Police Attack in Sehore
An intervention by police during a court marriage dispute in Ichhawar, Sehore district, led to an incident where arriving officers faced violence from locals. A sub-inspector (SI) was hurt, and other officers were forced to flee for their safety. The catalyst was Kamlesh's court marriage to a woman. Her family reached the village upon learning about it, causing Kamlesh and his family to flee. In their absence, the woman's relatives vandalized her house. Upon police intervention, five people attacked the officers. FIRs were filed against the attackers.
Case 5: Lawyers Assault Police in Indore
An unusual episode unfolded in March in Indore where lawyers assaulted police officers. A dispute over water balloons thrown during Holi escalated into a physical altercation between the lawyers and another party. The next day, a crowd of lawyers besieged the Tukoganj police station, chasing Station In-Charge Jitendra Singh Yadav and tearing his uniform. ACP Vinod Dixit was also attacked with his shirt buttons torn. The police attempted to control the crowd, but the attackers targeted them. Three individuals were charged in connection with this violence.
Case 6: Stone Pelting on Police Seeking Robbery Suspects in Shahdol
The Burhar police in Shahdol district, seeking suspects involved in firing at a jeweler, reached the Irani Basti. Simultaneously, the Maharajganj police from Uttar Pradesh arrived to arrest Yusuf Ali wanted in a robbery case. Yusuf's detention stirred tensions, and locals attacked the police pursuing other suspect Firoz Ali. Three officers, including a female constable, were seriously injured. Cases were filed against 18 identified individuals.
Case 7: Illegal Mining Mafia Assault Rajasthan Police in Sheopur
Last Thursday, Rajasthan Police faced a violent encounter in Sheopur district, MP, while taking action against illegal mining. The mining mafia ambushed them with stones, catching the officers off guard. To save themselves, the policemen had to fire in self-defense and escape through water, highlighting the growing audacity of inter-state mining cartels.
Case 8: Attack on Police Searching for Illegal Arms in Damoh
In March, police in the rural police station area of Marahar village, Damoh district, ventured to retrieve illegal arms following the arrest of Kasim Khan, accused in 23 crimes. Information suggested a weapons cache. The Rajnagar area team, while attempting recovery, faced gunfire from the accused, with a bullet hitting the station head's hand. In retaliation, the police shot the accused in the leg.
Case 9: Men in Drunken Rage Assault Policeman at Rani Kamalapati Railway Station
In April, while on night patrol, a head constable and another officer from Bhopal's Government Railway Police (GRP) encountered drunk men drinking in a car at Rani Kamalapati railway station. Upon intervention, the intoxicated individuals argued with the head constable and then assaulted him, tearing his uniform. The police indicated that the attackers intentionally insulted the constable's religious sentiments. Some of the offenders were apprehended later.
Former DGP N.K. Tripathi's Viewpoint: Need for Tough Action and More Police Force
aajtak discussed the rising number of attacks on officers with retired DGP N.K. Tripathi. Having retired as the DGP of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and served in pivotal roles including MP's Home Department, Intelligence, Administration, CID, and Transport Commissioner, he highlighted the root cause as society's alienation from police. He stressed the continuous threat faced by police officers, emphasizing its acknowledgment is crucial.
Tripathi stated, "Attacks on police are often dismissed lightly. Instead, formal FIRs should be lodged, matters should go to court, and stringent legal action is crucial. This sets a societal precedent that attacking police will have serious repercussions."
Source: aajtak
He expressed concern over sending a small number of officers into rural and tribal areas where they frequently face fierce and violent crowds, underlining the need for better intelligence and preparedness.
Source: aajtak
Tripathi also pointed out the significant issue of inadequate police force numbers, adding, “The limited number of officers cannot be omnipresent. MP needs to address this shortage.” He advocated for rapid and decisive action against sudden urban tensions.
Source: aajtak
NCRB Data: Rising Threat to Police Officers
According to the 2022 report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), incidents of police officer attacks in Madhya Pradesh have become a major concern. Eleven officers sustained injuries from violent encounters while on duty, and 19 police officials lost their lives. These figures indicate the severe risks that police officers face in their line of duty.
