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Crime Branch to probe assault

Staff Reporter

Journalist bludgeoned by constable

NEW DELHI: The Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi Range), B.S. Brar, on Monday said investigations into the alleged attack on a Hindi daily journalist at Karkari Mor in East Delhi on Sunday would be handed over to the Crime Branch and suitable action would be taken against the guilty.

A delegation of journalists met Mr. Brar on Monday demanding revocation of the case registered against the Dainik Jagaran reporter, Vibhuti Rastogi, who was allegedly assaulted by Constable Devender Kaushik. A memorandum submitted to Mr. Brar alleged that police officers of the district had threatened to register a case against Vibhuti if he did not reach a compromise with the constable.

"Soon after the incident, we tried to contact the district Deputy Commissioner of Police, but he did not respond. It was only after we called up the Police Commissioner, K.K. Paul, that the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ajay Choudhary, contacted us at the Preet Vihar police station, that too eight hours after the incident," alleged Vibhuti's colleagues.

After hearing Vibhuti's statement, Mr. Brar assured that no action would be taken against him. "I am referring the case to the Crime Branch and I promise you that action would be taken against the guilty," he said.

The incident occurred around 12-30 p.m. on Sunday when Vibhuti saw some policemen -- deployed at the post -- having a heated exchange with a motorcycle rider.

As Vibhuti, who was wearing his identity card, stopped there to see what exactly the matter was, Constable Kaushik allegedly took out the keys of Vibhuti's motorcycle and punched him on the face, threatening him with dire consequences.

He then allegedly trained his service carbine on the reporter, but a head constable snatched the weapon from his hand.

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