A policeman had resorted to an extreme measure of running a bike over the chest of a vegetable vendor wearing only a vest after he was unable to pay a bribe of Rs 50. The policeman was caught on camera while performing the hideous feat which took place in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Other Policemen and bystanders were mere audience.

On the 18th of August, the vendor, Rohit Kesarwani said that he was asked to move his cart by the constable who also demanded him a bribe. According to his allegations, he had refused to pay the money and was later beat by the police and thrown to the ground. Not satisfied, the constable had driven the front wheel of the bike onto his chest.

In the picture snapped by a witness shows Rohit lying on the ground and the front wheel of the bike driven by a policeman on his chest. Despite visual evidence, the senior officials state that the incident was staged by the photographer and no such incident occurred.  "There was an argument between the two of them. A photographer, who was also present there, told him to lie down under a motorcycle parked nearby. Then he took photos and leaked them to the media," said AK Pandey, Superintendent of Police, Crime.

The accused Police constable had been suspended after the Allahabad Court had stepped in. Mohit also promised that tough action would be taken against him and other cops present at the scene.

The National Human Rights Commission also took cognizance of this incident after the media report which was forwarded by a complainant, carrying a photograph of the incident.

(AW- Anil)