Delhi Tempo Driver-Police Clash: Sarabjeet, A History-Sheeter, Had Earlier Assaulted Gurudwara Sevadar Among Others

The case of clash between policemen and a a Gramin Sewa tempo driver in North West Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar on Sunday that made headlines has thrown up new facts. The driver has a history of similar violent behaviour in the past.

In April this year, Sarabjeet was accused by a Gurudwara Sevadar Mangal Singh of assaulting him. Mangal told the police that the father-son duo beat him after he questioned them why they were sleeping near the 'sarovar' of Bangla Saheb Gurudwara for the last three-four days. In the altercation, Mangal suffered an arm-fracture. Sarabjeet was arrested for the same and released on bail, reports DNA.

Apart from this, Sarabjeet was also arrested for violent behaviour in 2006, 2011 and 2013.

The case gained limelight after videos of the incident went viral on social media. In one of them, the man was seen brandishing a sword at the policemen and attacking them. A policeman also got injured by the weapon later on. As altercation progressed, both the driver Sarabjeet and his son were seen being beaten by lathis by Delhi police personnel. Eight police personnel also sustained injuries, according to Delhi Police.

The video sparked criticism of the police over ‘brutality’, and there were calls for actions against the officers. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also came out in support of the driver. Three policemen were suspended for 'unprofessional behaviour' and Delhi Police initiated a probe in the matter.

Several people came out on social media against the communalisation of the incident. after ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ slogans were heard in Delhi police station in the protest.

On Monday, Delhi Police submitted a report to Ministry of Home Affairs which says that tempo driver hit the police vehicle and when policeman questioned him he threatened to attack the policeman with his sword. ASI Yograj has sustained deep cut during the brawl.

The incident is now being investigated by Crime Branch of Delhi Police. Police has registered a cross FIR in this case; and Manish Agarwal Joint Commissioner of Police Northern Range will be conducting a detailed enquiry in this case.