Madhya Pradesh: Constable slaps tribal farmer in Rajgarh after he refused to get COVID test

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A farmer was allegedly assaulted by a police constable after he refused to undergo COVID-19 test in Rajgarh district. A video showing a police constable slapping the farmer went viral on social media on Monday.

The incident was reported at Suthaliya town of Rajgarh district on Sunday. The farmer has been identified as Mangilal Bhilala, a resident of village Chouki under Suthalia police. Sources said a health department team had set up a camp near Suthalia Bus stand to conduct Covid-19 test.

A police team was also deployed at the spot. When the health department team asked Mangilal Bhilala to get the test done, he refused. This led to an argument between Bhilala and the health department team.

The argument turned ugly when a police constable identified as Vinod Yadav allegedly assaulted him. The police, however, said that Bhilala was drunk and misbehaved with the health department team.

“He was drunk. While he was escaping after misbehaving with health official, a police constable chased him and detained. The videos clearly show that the constable slap him only after accused started slapping the constable,” said sub-divisional officer of police (SDOP), Beora, Kiran Ahirwar.

She further said that a medical examination was also conducted and the report confirmed that Bhilala was drunk. “A case has been registered and accused has been detained,” she said.