Bangalore:
A student from Baldwin Boys College in Bangalore was in for an unpleasant surprise when a cop stepped up to him and punched him straight in the face after he was caught answering his phone while waiting at a traffic signal.
Mohammed Shafiulla, a second year science student, was on his way home at 4. 30 pm to break his fast when Constable Ramesh from the Cubbon Park police station thrashed him, as a surprised crowd looked on.
Khalid Shafiulla, Mohammed's father, said, "My son was at the signal. When his phone rang, he took off his helmet to answer it. The light was still red, but the constable came straight to him and started abusing him asking why he wasn't wearing his helmet, and then hit him."
"My son now has a broken nose and has bruises all over his stomach. He then lost his temper and hit the policeman back," he added.
Dr Keshav, Casualty Medical Officer from Bowring Hospital, said, "The patient is bleeding from the nose and there is swelling over it. He also has abrasions over his chest." He added, "The full extent of his injuries still isn't known, we'll know once a complete examination is done."
A medico-legal complaint was filed with the Bowring Hospital police station after doctors had a look at him.
Inspector Dawood Khan from Bowring Hospital Police Station said, "A medico-legal complaint has been filed with us which will be passed to the Cubbon Park police authorities." He added, "Since the incident occurred in that area, it is their jurisdiction. They'll take the necessary action."
Inspector Jagdish from the Cubbon Park police station said, "We still haven't received any complaint so there is no question of a suspension or any other action. The complaining party still hasn't come to us."
To add insult to his injury, Mohammed was taken to Victoria Hospital because of 'lack of space' at Bowring Hospital, said Khalid Ahmed.