Ghaziabad — A Government Railway Police (GRP) constable was removed from active duty on Friday after a video clip surfaced appearing to show him repeatedly striking a 15-year-old boy with a stick inside the GRP lock-up at Ghaziabad railway station, senior officials said.
The clip, reportedly filmed by a passenger, shows a uniformed man hitting the teenager on the station platform’s GRP cell near Platform No. 3. The action prompted swift administrative steps: the constable has been transferred to police lines and an inquiry has been ordered, Ashutosh Shukla, superintendent of police at GRP (Moradabad), said.
According to GRP officials, the incident occurred late on Thursday night after the teenager and another boy were apprehended on suspicion of stealing a passenger’s bag while loitering on platforms 3 and 4. Manoj Chaudhary, station house officer at the GRP station, said the passenger whose bag was allegedly taken raised an alarm and the constable chased and nabbed the boys.
“The erring personnel is a constable, and he has been sent to police lines. An inquiry has also been initiated into the matter,” Ashutosh Shukla said.
Chaudhary provided further detail on the sequence. He said two boys had come from Delhi and were spotted near the stairwell where a passenger was sleeping. After the passenger realised his bag had been taken, he shouted for help and the boys were detained. The video appears to show the constable thrashing one boy, aged 15, while he was in custody.
Police said the passenger later decided not to pursue the matter, and both boys were subsequently allowed to leave the station. Chaudhary said the inquiry into the episode will be conducted by a circle officer of the GRP. Officials said the authenticity of the clip is being examined; Hindustan Times could not independently verify it.
Administrative response and next steps
Senior GRP officials moved promptly once the footage circulated. The steps taken so far include:
- Transfer of the constable to police lines pending inquiry
- Registration of an internal inquiry to examine the episode
- The probe to be led by a circle officer (GRP)
Police have not, as of Friday, indicated whether any criminal charges will be filed against the personnel involved. The inquiry will determine the factual circumstances, including whether force was justified under the circumstances and whether proper procedures were followed in handling a minor in custody.
| When | Event |
|---|---|
| Late Thursday night | Two boys allegedly pick a passenger's bag; detained by GRP |
| Shortly after | Video filmed showing a constable thrashing a 15-year-old inside the GRP area |
| Friday | Constable sent to police lines; internal inquiry ordered |
The episode has raised questions about handling of juveniles in police custody and use of force by on-duty personnel. Under juvenile justice norms and police regulations, minors in conflict with law are to be dealt with according to prescribed procedures, including prompt notification of guardians and ensuring their protection while in custody. The GRP inquiry will be expected to clarify whether these safeguards were observed.
Local commuters and regular users of Ghaziabad railway station said such footage undermines public confidence. Several residents called for a transparent and time-bound probe and for any erring personnel to be held accountable. Railway police officials have access to CCTV footage of platforms and station premises; investigators indicated these recordings would be examined as part of the inquiry.
At present, the official position remains administrative: the constable is out of active duty and an inquiry will ascertain facts and recommend further action. The matter will be watched closely by civil-rights advocates and local stakeholders as Ghaziabad authorities proceed with the probe.
