Indore (Madhya Pradesh): After nearly 14 years, a district court in Indore delivered its verdict in a case in which two men had assaulted an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) during Navratri festivities. The court sentenced one of the accused, Pawan Patel (35), to one year of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 500.
On October 3, 2011, at around 10:30 pm, two youths from Khati Pura, Suraj and Pawan, arrived at the Siddheshwar Nav Garba Pandal in Gaurinagar in an inebriated state and confronted ASI BR Sisodia, who was on duty at the venue.
They questioned his presence and when asked to leave peacefully, hurled abuses and grabbed the officer by the collar.
Despite the ASI’s attempts to calm them down, the men became violent, threw him to the ground and assaulted him, leaving him with injuries on his face, ears and limbs.
On receiving a wireless call, Cobra Squad personnel and local police rushed to the spot along with bystanders and managed to overpower the duo.
A case was registered against Suraj and Pawan under Sections 294, 353, 332, and 34 of the IPC. During the trial, Suraj passed away, leaving Pawan as the sole accused. The district court found Pawan guilty under Section 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servants from duty) and awarded him one year of rigorous imprisonment and a fine.
On behalf of the state, assistant district public prosecutor Eshu Yadav argued the case. ASI BR Sisodia, who retired later and passed away in 2021, was the complainant in the case.
