New Delhi: Reacting strongly to reports of excessive force used by American police against an Indian national, India on Thursday raised the issue with the US and demanded expeditious investigation into the matter. A senior official in the US embassy here was called to the South Block by the External Affairs Ministry official in charge of the Americas division to convey India's concern in the matter.
Concern was expressed at what appears from media reports the excessive use of force by police. India has requested expeditious investigation and sharing of information about the probe and action taken, spokesperson of External Affairs Ministry Syed Akbaruddin said. He had earlier said that Consulate General in Atlanta was in touch with police authorities and will provide all assistance. "Consulate General in Atlanta in touch with Madison police chief and providing all necessary consular assistance," he said.
57-year-old Sureshbhai Patel, who was visiting his son in Alabama, was left partially paralysed when a police officer forced him on ground after receiving report of a "suspicious person" looking into the garages of several homes.
Patel's family said he was walking down the sidewalk in the neighbourhood when he was stopped by the police. Since he did not know English, he was unable to respond to the questions asked by police except for saying "no English" and in between he put his hand in one of his pockets.
According to his lawyers, a police officer indulged in violence with no provocation, forcing Patel to the ground face-first, leaving the grandfather bloody and partially paralysed.
Patel is currently undergoing treatment for fused vertebrae. His family are planning to file a lawsuit. Several Indian-American organisations and rights bodies have condemned the incident.
