Indian police filmed brutally assaulting people to enforce COVID-19 lockdown

Pictures and videos have emerged from around the country of people venturing out being brutally hit by Indian police after the country was placed into lockdown by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 25.

Assam Police officers chase a youngster on the fifth day of nation-wide lockdown. Source: AAP Image/EPA/STR

Highlights

• As at 6:00 am on 30 March 2020, there have been 4,093 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia.
• India has reported 1,024 cases of COVID-19 and 27 deaths so far.

Indian citizens have been placed in a 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 and must stay at home except to buy basic items like groceries, medicines etc. The lockdown excludes essential services workers.

Despite these special allowances, videos and photos have emerged from across the country where the Indian police are seen assaulting people venturing out to buy essential goods or working in essential services such as medicine.

Officers have been filmed beating up people with sticks and in certain instances, forcing them to crawl or do push-ups.

Indian social media feeds are flooded with examples like these.

ALSO ON SBS HINDI:

"We are better than this"

The police brutality prompted Indian legislator Shashi Tharoor to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop police from using violent force.

"I have no doubt that most police personnel are doing a commendable job in these difficult times. However, those who brutalize citizens are bringing disrepute to the efforts of all others," Tharoor wrote in a letter posted on Twitter on Friday.

He also pointed out “vigilantes" had been spotted standing on corners and beating those who defy the lockdown orders. "We are better than this," Tharoor added.

Follow SBS Hindi’s special coverage of COVID-19 outbreak

Jammu and Kashmir police officers force man to crouch inside a marked circle to maintain a minimum social distance after he allegedly violated Section 144 Source: AAP Image/EPA/JAIPAL SINGH

India has imposed Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which prohibits the assembly of four or more people, to ensure that people don't venture out during the lockdown.

Indians violating section 144 can be arrested and detained by the police. However, the government hasn't authorized the police to use force to impose the lockdown.

India currently has over 1024 confirmed COVID-19 cases, while 27 people have died, according to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University tracker.

Tune into SBS Hindi at 5 pm every day and follow us on Facebook and Twitter

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.