Punjab cop suspended for assaulting elderly man

PATIALA: An assistant sub–inspector was suspended for allegedly assaulting an elderly man in Patiala city for refusing to give him money for liquor.
SSP Varun Sharma said that the matter was under investigation, however the cop was suspended, and a department inquiry has been initiated against him.
“The cop identified as ASI Sham Lal was posted at Anaj Mandi police station.We have immediately taken action after the matter has come to our notice," the SSP said.
The action against the policeman came after a video of the incident went viral on social media platforms in which the cop can be seen assaulting the man with a stick.
The incident is said to have taken place near the Patiala railway station Patiala.
Balbir Singh, the victim said, “The cop used to demand money from people here and he demanded money from me for liquor. I refused to pay him the money. Following this, the cop hit me with his stick.
However, SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia posted on social media that the aged person was beaten up by the policeman because he asked him to stop smoking near him.
“Disturbing video has emerged from Patiala where a policeman can be seen assaulting an aged Sikh only because he asked him to stop smoking near him. I demand strong action against such culprits with exemplary punishment,” Bikram Singh Majithia posted on X (formerly Twitter).