Surat Police assaults minor during PM Modi’s security rehearsal, video sparks outrage

Surat : Surat police’s preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit took a disturbing turn when a 17-year-old minor was allegedly beaten by a police officer for unknowingly entering the convoy rehearsal route. A video of the incident, which occurred near Ratan Chowk at Limbayat Railway Underpass, has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation and prompting action against the officer involved.

Following the incident, the Morbi Superintendent of Police has taken strict action against PSI B.K. Gadhvi and has issued a notice to stop his salary increment for one year.

The incident took place on the eve of PM Modi’s visit to Surat and Navsari, where he is scheduled to attend various events. As part of the security measures, Surat police conducted a rehearsal of the PM’s convoy route. During this drill, the teenager, who had recently migrated from Nepal, mistakenly cycled onto the restricted path, unaware of the ongoing security exercise.

Instead of being redirected, the boy was allegedly assaulted by a police sub-inspector (PSI) identified as B.A. Gadhvi, who had been deployed from Morbi district for security duty. The viral footage shows the officer using excessive force, leading to severe bruising on the minor’s right eye.

The boy’s maternal uncle recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the teenager left home at around 4:30 PM for a routine ride. When he did not return by late evening, his family grew worried. The minor eventually returned home at 9:30 PM in tears, narrating the ordeal.

“I had no idea what was happening. Suddenly, the police started beating me. They took me to the police station and kept me there for hours before releasing me,” the minor reportedly told his family.

Following the public uproar, Surat DCP Amita Vanani addressed the incident, acknowledging the viral video and confirming that the police officer’s behavior was inappropriate.

“In the midst of the security rehearsal, a child accidentally entered the convoy route. He was asked to leave as it posed a safety risk. However, what followed was regrettable. The officer in question, PSI B.A. Gadhvi, has been immediately moved to the control room,” Vanani stated.

While the officer has been transferred, many believe the action taken is insufficient, given the severity of the assault.

The incident has sparked outrage among opposition leaders. Congress leader Aslam Cyclewala strongly condemned the police brutality, calling for stricter action.

“A 17-year-old child, originally from Nepal, was brutally beaten by a police officer in Surat. He has suffered serious injuries. Merely transferring the officer is not enough—he should be suspended immediately,” Cyclewala demanded.