Court orders registration of case against former PI Kirit Lathia for assaulting youth

In a serious case of police brutality in Vadodara, the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court has taken a significant decision. The court has ordered the registration of a case and legal proceedings against Kirit Lathia, the then Police Inspector (PI) of Gorwa police station.

According to a report by Sandesh, the entire incident occurred on 4-11-2024. Advocate Darshan Patel, representing the complainant, stated that while Moin Pathan was returning home in his vehicle, 5 to 6 unknown persons chased him and abused him. Moin informed his elder brother, Mohammad Pathan, about the incident, after which the police were notified. However, as the police did not reach the spot for 15 minutes, DCP Kothia was informed.

Subsequently, the then PI of Gorwa, Kirit Lathia, arrived in his private car and took Moin and his elder brother Mohammad Pathan to the police station. It is alleged that after reaching the police station, both brothers were detained there throughout the night and were beaten. Furthermore, a serious allegation has been made that they were falsely implicated in a prohibition case.

During this assault, Moin Khan Pathan sustained serious injuries. It is claimed that due to the beating, his eardrum ruptured, resulting in the loss of his hearing ability. The victims had approached the police administration and filed a complaint with the Police Commissioner to seek justice against this brutality. However, as an FIR was not registered based on their complaint, the victims eventually knocked on the doors of the court and filed a private complaint.

After hearing the matter, the Vadodara JMFC court has ordered the issuance of process against former PI Kirit Lathia under sections 115(2), 117(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Following the court's order, summons will now be issued to Kirit Lathia. On November 4, the court ordered criminal complaint proceedings against him.

As the court has ordered legal action against a police officer whose responsibility is to protect the law, a debate has sparked within the police department. All eyes are now on the upcoming court proceedings and the stance of former PI Kirit Lathia in this matter.