The Human Rights Forum (HRF), a civil rights organisation, has condemned the Gachibowli police's actions, which allegedly led to a severe injury for V Sandhya, National Convener of the Progressive Women's Association. Sandhya sustained a grade-II fracture to her right leg during a protest against the USA and Israel regarding the violence in Gaza. The organisation has called for an investigation and appropriate action against the responsible police personnel.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, June 25, HRF reported that a fact-finding team visited Sandhya. According to their findings, the incident occurred on June 19 when members of Left organisations were protesting near the American Embassy in Nanakramguda. The protesters maintained they had gathered just beyond the barricades and had no intention of entering the embassy premises.
While dispersing the demonstrators, police allegedly detained Sandhya. "Four female constables held me by my arms and legs, lifted me in the air, and threw me into a police van. In the process, one of the constables, who was holding my right leg, kicked me in anger. I screamed in pain, but no one listened," Sandhya recounted to the HRF team.
The fact-finding team's report noted that despite her visible injury, Sandhya was allegedly denied first aid and remained in detention at Narsingi Police Station until 6 pm. The HRF team also examined medical reports which, they state, confirmed Sandhya suffered a grade-II fracture, necessitating at least six weeks of complete rest.
Condemning the police action as excessive and unjustified, HRF has demanded an investigation into the incident and urged the government to cover Sandhya’s medical expenses.