Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan has written to Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi, alleging that two policemen had stood mute witness to the recent killing of a man in an alleged road rage incident.
38-year-old Shahnawaz had been beaten to death with iron rods by five men in April 5 in view of his wife and children, after his motorcycle grazed a car near Delhi's Turkman Gate. The event had sparked protests in the area, with his family alleging that there could be motives other than simple road rage behind the incident. Three men have so far been arrested in relation to the incident.
In his letter, dated Friday, Harsh Vardhan said he had been informed of the two policemen by Mr Shahnawaz's young sons when he had met their family to offer condolences.
"The late Mr Shahnawaz's sons, Shahad of Class 9 and Kaif of Class 4, told me that there were two policemen who stood there as mute spectators. Not only should an inquiry be ordered against these two policemen, but they should also be suspended," read Harsh Vardhan's letter.
"A message must be sent to the people that the police is their protector," he added.
The Minister also appealed to the Police Commissioner to ensure that the FIR in the case is comprehensive, and that police protection be provided to the family members of the deceased.
Mr Shahnawaz's family had earlier hinted that he had been killed because of his opposition to an illegal construction. They had met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday and sought speedy justice. They had also turned down a suggestion that they be provided employment by the government.
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