Gujarat HC Orders Immediate Transfer of DCP Nakum Over Surat Custodial Assault

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court on Friday took a strong stand against alleged police excesses in Surat, directing the state government to immediately transfer DCP Rajdeep Singh Nakum from his present position following a viral video showing him allegedly beating and publicly parading accused persons.

The court conducted a suo motu hearing on August 14 after the July 13 incident involving five accused arrested in an attempted murder case registered at Salabatpura police station.

The state government informed the court that, following directions from the DGP, the Surat Police Commissioner had handed the inquiry to the Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime). Statements of people seen in the video were also being recorded.

However, the High Court questioned whether such an investigation could be impartial while the DCP remained in the same position.

The court observed that the DCP was present during the incident and that the video had already gone viral. It further noted that junior police personnel might not feel free to speak against a senior officer if he continued in the same position.

The court friend (amicus curiae) drew attention to earlier government circulars prohibiting police from publicly beating accused persons, parading them, tying them with ropes, handcuffing them, forcing them to kneel or making them apologise.

The submissions also referred to a 2018 High Court proceeding and a subsequent 2022 Kheda incident, where police personnel faced action over similar conduct.

The public prosecutor urged the court not to record detailed observations in its order, assuring that the government would take appropriate legal and administrative action.

The High Court accepted the submission and adjourned the matter to next Friday, when the government is expected to submit a report on the action taken.

The controversy stems from allegations that DCP Nakum publicly assaulted the five accused, allegedly striking them more than 25 times with a stick and pulling them by their hair during a procession on a public road.