Gujarat Police have faced allegations of custodial brutality after a Muslim man was allegedly beaten with lathis in public in Bhavnagar on Saturday, September 5. A video of the incident has since circulated widely on social media.
The man, identified as Faizal, is seen in the video crying out and pleading with police officers while several policemen repeatedly hit him with sticks.
The Gujarat chapter of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has issued a legal notice to senior state officials, including the chief secretary, director general of police and superintendent of police, seeking action over what it described as torture and violations of the man’s rights.
According to the notice, Faizal, also known as Khatki Rafikbhai Lakhani, was taken into custody for questioning by Bhavnagar police and brought to the alleged crime scene under the supervision of Nilambaug Police Station Inspector D.P. Undadkat.
The notice alleges that Faizal was tied with ropes to a pillar, reportedly at a bus stand, as well as to a bench and a police vehicle. At least four policemen can be seen surrounding and beating him in the video.
Faizal has reportedly been accused of killing a woman, Kajal Ben, who was said to have been his partner for around eight years. The allegation has not been independently verified.
PUCL alleged that the man was struck more than 100 times and said more than 40 blows were delivered during the first four minutes shown in the video. The organisation further alleged that he was forced to crawl on his knees while tied up and continued to be beaten after his clothes were torn and he fell to the ground.
PUCL Gujarat organising secretary Mujahid Nafees said police must follow established legal procedures when investigating allegations of crime.
“Police have the power to take suspects into custody and investigate, but they cannot publicly parade or assault them,” Nafees said.
The rights group cited the Supreme Court’s 1997 judgment in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal, which laid down safeguards governing arrest, detention and interrogation.
PUCL also pointed to a Gujarat Police directive issued in May 2026 calling for strict disciplinary action against officers in cases involving alleged human rights violations.
The organisation has demanded departmental action against the policemen involved and called for criminal proceedings where warranted.
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