Floyd redux in Jodhpur, cops deny brutality charge

Jaipur, June 5

A video showing a policeman in Jodhpur kneeling on the neck of a man for not wearing a mask has gone viral, fuelling allegations of police brutality. While netizens compared the incident with the killing of George Floyd in the US, senior police officials refuted the charge.

The officials said two cops on bike patrol spotted Mukesh Kumar Prajapat without a mask at the bus stand. The video shows Prajapat arguing with cops and punching one of them, prompting retaliation. The cops push Prajapat to the ground as one policeman kneels on his neck. The man subsequently breaks free and assaults the cops.

Jodhpur Police Commissioner Praful Kumar said: “Two constables tried to fine the man for not wearing a mask. The accused started arguing and assaulted the cops. He tore their uniform and threatened them. He was restrained with the help of people. The suspect has been arrested and a case of assault on a public servant registered.” The accused was arrested last year for blinding his father with a screwdriver. — OC