Srinagar: A prominent epidemiologist and a frontline Covid-19 warrior on Wednesday was hospitalised after being allegedly beaten up by paramilitary CRPF personnel in central Kashmir’s Budgam district
Dr Muzaffar Jan, a prominent epidemiologist was on way to Budgam to attend his duties when CRPF personnel intercepted him near Chadura market and thrashed him with batons, CMO Budgam, Dr Tajamul Hussain Khan told Kashmir Observer. The doctor, he said was beaten to pulp by paramilitary men despite him proving his identity, producing movement pass and explaining his purpose of his journey.
“He was beaten so much that he couldn’t walk properly. He has suffered muscle tear, soft tissue injury and he’s experiencing problem in breathing, all because of the kicks and punches of the CRPF personnel,” Khan said.
The senior epidemiologist, Khan said was let off by the CRPF men only after some passerby intervened and pleaded his release. He said due to the beating, Dr Jan was hospitalised at District Hospital Budgam.
“It is a shameful and condemnable act on the part of CRPF. We treat their jawans and they beat our colleagues. These barbaric acts are not acceptable,” CMO Budgam said.
He said he has apprised the district police and civil administration officials seeking strict action against the guilty paramilitary men.
Pertinently, Dr Khan’s video last month created a storm on social media after he was seen reprimanding policemen in north Kashmir’s Bandipora after his official vehicle was stopped by the cops.
The incident had sparked massive outrage among the healthcare workers across the Valley prompting Inspector General of police (IGP) Vijay Kumar to instruct uniformed men to facilitate smooth movement of doctors and other health workers.
CRPF Spokesperson, Pankaj Singh told Kashmir Observer that the allegations of thrashing leveled against his men were not true. However, he said it was a minor scuffle between the Doctor and CRPF personnel.
“The doctor was trying to cross a containment zone during which a scuffle had happened. The issue was resolved amicably by the two sides. We are all Corona fighters. Our jawans are fighting corona on roads, doctors are fighting,” Singh said.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
