Delhi: In Ahmedabad, another case of police high-handedness has come to light. Shamim, a young boy from Delhi was detained by Gujarat Police, which even the court said is unlawful.
"Two or three policemen tortured me. They told me that I am lying to them and they kept on torturing me. Police told me that when I reach Delhi High Court I should say that I went to Gujarat to meet my father," Shamim said.
The 14-year-old was picked up by the Gujarat Police from Delhi a year ago and detained illegally for a week in Ahmedabad.
The police had come looking for his father who was wanted in a case of theft. When they couldn't find him they took Shamim away. His family filed an FIR with the Delhi Police and finally on the orders of the Delhi High Court the Gujarat Police released Shamim from custody.
Now, the HC has ruled in favour of Shamim. It has ordered an inquiry against three Gujarat policemen and told the Gujarat government to pay Rs 2,95,000 to Shamim's family.
After a year Shamim and his family has finally won the battle against the Gujarat Police, but the nightmare of staying in the police custody is still haunting Shamim.
"I can't sleep properly ever since I have come back," he said.
Shamim and his family are ragpickers. His mother Taslima says they were lucky to get the support of an NGO that helped them out with the legal battle.
"I had to leave my previous house because of this incident. Our relatives disowned us. Police harasses my relatives if they call us," Taslima said.
The court may have ruled in favour of Shamim's family, but they still fear being harassed by the Gujarat Police.