Rajasthan Police Officers Suspended for Assaulting Dhaba Owner Over Meal Payment

Five Policemen Face Suspension After Brutal Beating in Bhiwadi, Investigation Ordered

JAIPUR, April 21 — In a shocking case of police misconduct, five Rajasthan police personnel were suspended on Monday after allegedly assaulting a dhaba owner in Bhiwadi, Khairthal-Tijara district, for demanding payment for food. The incident, which has sparked public outrage, involved brutal physical assault, forced detention, and destruction of evidence.

The victim, Pradeep Kumar, who runs Dilkhush Dhaba in Phoolbagh, reported that three policemen — Constables Shantilal, Samay Singh, and Ram Singh from Bhiwadi police station — visited his eatery on Sunday night, consumed alcohol in their vehicle, and ate dinner. When Kumar requested the ₹230 payment for the meal, the officers refused to pay and became aggressive.

Assault Escalates from Dhaba to Police Station

Kumar recounted that even after he reduced the bill to ₹150, the policemen began verbally abusing and physically assaulting him. Constable Shantilal reportedly called a police vehicle, which arrived with driver Amararam and ASI Surendra Singh. The five officers then beat Kumar and his uncle Hukam Singh, forcibly dragged them into the vehicle, and took them to the police station.

At the station, the brutality continued. The dhaba owner was allegedly slammed onto the stairs, beaten in front of the SHO’s cabin, and coerced into revealing his phone’s password. The officers then deleted photos and videos of the assault, with Shantilal reportedly pressing Kumar’s neck under his foot to intimidate him. Kumar suffered head and ear injuries, and was later hospitalized.

Immediate Action by SP Jyestha Maitreyi

Taking swift action, Superintendent of Police Jyestha Maitreyi suspended all five officers involved and ordered an inquiry led by Bhiwadi DSP Kailash Choudhary. Speaking to the media, SP Maitreyi emphasized that “no misconduct by police personnel will be tolerated,” adding that further legal action would follow based on the investigation report.

She also issued a stern warning to other officers in the district, asserting that any future incidents of similar behavior would result in strict disciplinary and legal consequences.

Public Outcry and Demand for Justice

The incident has intensified public scrutiny of police behavior in Rajasthan and raised serious concerns about abuse of power and lack of accountability within the force. Locals and civil rights activists have demanded transparent investigation and criminal prosecution of the accused officers to ensure justice.