In the small town of Bajaradiha, Thana-Bhelupur, District-Varanasi, the life of a resilient soul, Mr. Nurul Hak Galla, took an unexpected turn when he was dragged into a whirlwind of events that would change his life forever. This is the harrowing account of his journey from a peaceful night's sleep to facing unimaginable horrors at the hands of those meant to protect.
Mr. Galla recounts the fateful night of December 22, 2019, when he was peacefully asleep in his room. The sudden sound of his home's door being forcefully pounded upon jolted him awake. As he rushed to see what was happening, he was confronted by five or six police officers in uniform, inquiring about his elder brother Mumtaz, who was not at home that night. The mere mention of his brother's name sent shivers down his spine, and fear engulfed him. The police officers wasted no time, instructing him to join a procession, leaving him baffled as he had not been part of any such procession.
Before he could utter a word, these officers forcefully apprehended him and led him out into the alley. He pleaded with them, requesting to at least allow him to wear proper clothing, as he was only dressed in his undershirt and pants. However, instead of showing any empathy, the officers began hurling vulgar abuse at him.
Mr. Galla describes being taken outside into the street, all the while trembling from the cold. But what struck him the most was the sight of a hundred police officers in uniform, instilling a sense of terror and helplessness. Everywhere he looked, there was nothing but an atmosphere of fear, with people cowering in their homes.
The police officers then forced him into a vehicle, which already had three other local boys - Ziaul Haq, Nasim, and Abdul Jabbar, also known as Nasruddin. The journey was filled with fear and uncertainty as Mr. Galla wondered why the police were taking them away. He had not participated in any procession. Upon reaching the police station in Maduadih, they were all thrown into a cell, and their ordeal continued.
Inside the cell, the conditions were deplorable, and the stench of urine and feces filled the air. It was impossible to fathom why they had been subjected to this treatment. They spent the night in agony, yearning for their homes, and the long, dark hours seemed endless.
Morning came, and they were still waiting, hopeful that they would be released from the cell soon. However, that was not to be the case. They remained locked inside, hungry and thirsty, with no access to food or water.
Back at home, Mr. Galla's family was unaware of their whereabouts and the circumstances they were enduring. The hunger pangs were overpowering, but the fear of the unknown kept them from approaching the door for sustenance. By midday, they were given a cup of tea and some water, but it was far from enough to satisfy their needs.
Meanwhile, Mr. Galla's health was deteriorating rapidly. He was experiencing excruciating pain in his stomach and head, and the physical toll was unbearable. They finally received word from the police that they were being transferred to the Bhelupur police station.
At the Bhelupur police station, the officers tried to identify Mr. Galla and the other detainees through photographs on their mobile phones. None of them recognized Mr. Galla, as he had not been a part of any procession on that fateful day. When he informed them of this fact, they persisted in questioning him.
Subsequently, Mr. Galla was taken to a room at the police station, where he endured a brutal assault. He was pinned against the bathroom wall, his face pressed against it, while two officers held his arms and two others took turns beating his buttocks and knees relentlessly. The excruciating pain and terror he experienced during this ordeal were beyond description.
The officers demanded money from him, asking, "How much have you eaten?" He replied, "I haven't eaten anything." This response only seemed to fuel their cruelty. They continued to thrash him mercilessly, using their sticks to inflict pain.
In his weakest moment, Mr. Galla pleaded with them, mentioning that they were known to his father. One of the officers responded by delivering a powerful slap across his face. He was utterly powerless and debilitated. His body could take no more, and he thought that this might be the end.
Mr. Galla's survival instincts kicked in, and he managed to whisper, "Please, I beg you, stop this." His frail voice barely reached their ears, but it seemed to have some impact. Eventually, they ceased their relentless assault.
After being released from the police station, Mr. Galla sought medical attention at a nearby government hospital. The medical examination documented only minor injuries, downplaying the severe torture he had endured. He couldn't fathom why he and the other detainees had been subjected to such brutality.
Mr. Galla's life took an unexpected turn that day when he was charged with serious offenses, including sedition. He had not participated in any procession and had simply been on his way home from work. Yet, he spent approximately 25 days in jail, separated from his family.
The emotional and physical scars of that fateful night continue to haunt him. The innocent lives shattered by brutality and injustice raise important questions about the abuse of power and the need for justice to prevail. Mr. Galla's story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, and the urgent need for a fair and just society.
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