Not aware that policeman was thrashed: J&K Minister Taj Mohiuddin

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control Taj Mohiuddin, whose guards allegedly hit a traffic policeman, on Tuesday claimed that he wasn't aware of the incident and did not witness it. "I was not aware of the incident. I came to know about this incident only after 6 pm," said Mohiuddin.

Calling the incident "highly regrettable", Mohiuddin said how can two forces fight each other on street. "I don't know what happened. Let the law take its own course. The case has been registered and now its is for the police to investigate the matter. I don't know about the incident."

The state government has suspended the minister's guards who beat up a traffic constable on Monday after he stopped the minister's motorcade.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday morning tweeted to say that the gaurds involved in the incident have been arrested and booked. Omar has also recommended the strictest possible action under the law.

Sub Inspector Mohanlal, a traffic policeman was beaten up by fellow policemen for daring to stop Moihuddin's entourage. The minister's cavalcade had failed to stop at a red signal at Lal Chowk in Srinagar.

When Mohanlal tried to stop them, two other policemen from Moihuddin's entourage tried to push him. Mohanlal, who was part of this team, tried to intervene and even he was beaten up. He was profusely bleeding and later taken to the hospital.

"I told him rules are same for everyone, even the Chief Minister stops here. I intervened when he began beating up my junior. After that another escort hit me on eye with the rifle butt," said Mohanlal.