"Find My Dog or I'll Ruin Your Job": Tribal Constable in MP Alleges Torture by Reserve Inspector; Demands SC/ST Act Case

Khargone – In a shocking case highlighting alleged abuse of power and caste-based discrimination within the police force, a tribal constable has filed a formal complaint accusing a senior Reserve Inspector (RI) of brutally assaulting him after the officer's pet dog went missing. The incident, detailed in a complaint dated August 26, 2025, has raised serious concerns about forced menial duties and mistreatment of lower-ranking personnel, particularly from marginalized communities.

Rahul Chouhan, son of Motilal Chouhan and a resident of Indraprasth Colony in Khargone, serves as a constable in the District Reserve Police (DRP) Line in Khargone. Belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community and appointed on compassionate grounds, Chouhan claims he was coerced into performing personal chores at the RI's bungalow, including childcare and dog-sitting, despite his repeated refusals.

According to the complaint addressed to the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Khargone and copied to higher authorities including the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Nimar Range, Inspector General (IG) of Rural Zone in Indore, Director General of Police (DGP) in Bhopal, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in New Delhi, the ordeal began on August 8. Chouhan alleges that RI Saurabh Kushwah assigned him "bungalow duty," which involved looking after the officer's child and pet dog, tasks far removed from his official police responsibilities.

The situation escalated dramatically on the night of August 23. Chouhan states he was on duty at the RI's bungalow that evening and left around 10:00 PM after informing the RI and securing the main gate. However, at approximately 1:20 AM, he spotted the RI's vehicle approaching, carrying Kushwah along with other personnel.

Chouhan recounts that the RI snatched his mobile phone, forced him into the vehicle, and drove him back to the bungalow. Once there, the other personnel were sent outside the main gate, and Chouhan was taken to a back room where Kushwah allegedly beat him mercilessly with a belt. "He kept asking where the dog was and continued beating me without listening to anything I said," Chouhan detailed in his complaint.

Following the assault, Chouhan was taken to the Khargone District Hospital for a medical examination by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Lakhan Mehar, Subedar Deependra Surwankar, Constable Badal, Head Constable Chhagan Kushwah, and driver Kishan. However, he claims the check-up was limited to an alcohol test, ignoring the visible injuries on his body. "I wasn't allowed to speak to the doctor properly," he alleged.

After the hospital visit, Chouhan was returned to the bungalow. There, he claims the RI's wife verbally abused him, calling him a "low-caste tribal" and threatening to beat him with a slipper. "Find my dog or I'll ruin your job. Keep your police status aside," she reportedly said, further intensifying the humiliation.

Around 4:00 AM, Chouhan was finally dropped home by Quarter Guard Incharge ASI Lakhan Mehar and sentry Chetan Jat in Mehar's vehicle.

The harassment allegedly continued the next morning. At around 10:40 AM on August 24, Chouhan reported to the DRP Line's daily register (roznamcha). The RI arrived shortly after, took him to his chamber, and spoke rudely while leveling false accusations. Chouhan was then summoned back to the bungalow, where he was reportedly beaten and abused again in front of his wife. Desperate, the couple promised to find the dog from anywhere. It was only then that Chouhan's mobile phone was returned.

Chouhan emphasized in his complaint that he had previously refused bungalow duty but was pressured into it, forcing him to handle domestic tasks like housework, dog care, and childcare. He now faces threats from the RI and his wife, who allegedly warned him of dismissal if he complains. "Go to whoever you want; you can't do anything to me," the RI reportedly said. A Subedar echoed similar sentiments, dismissing any potential action.

On August 26, Chouhan approached the SP's office in person. However, he claims the SP dismissed his grievances, stating, "You were drunk; write an apology letter and apologize. If you do, I won't take any action against you."

Demanding justice, Chouhan has called for a case to be registered against RI Saurabh Kushwah and his wife under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, citing caste-based abuse and physical assault. "As an ST individual and compassionate appointee, I've been exploited and humiliated," he stated.

This case comes amid growing scrutiny of power dynamics within Madhya Pradesh's police department, where junior staff, especially from tribal and scheduled caste backgrounds, often report being assigned unofficial personal duties. Authorities have yet to respond publicly to the complaint, but copies sent to top officials suggest an investigation may be forthcoming.