Bhopal outrage as 22-year-old engineering student allegedly beaten to death by police

A 22-year-old engineering student returning home from a party in Bhopal was allegedly beaten to death by police in the early hours of October 10, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.

The victim, identified as Udit, a BTech student at TIT College, was found with severe injuries after being chased and assaulted by policemen in the city’s Indrapuri area. A disturbing video circulating online shows one officer holding the youth while another strikes him repeatedly with a stick.

According to police, constables Santosh Bamaniya and Saurabh Arya have been suspended pending an inquiry. “Further action will follow after the post-mortem report is received,” said Vivek Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2).

Udit, the son of a BHEL employee and a schoolteacher, had gone to a party with friends late Thursday night. Around 1.30 a.m., when one of them was about to drop him home, a police patrol approached their car.

Witnesses said Udit panicked and ran into a nearby alley, where two policemen caught and allegedly assaulted him.

His friend recounted, “We heard sounds of fighting. When we reached, Udit’s shirt was torn and his body was covered in marks, especially on his head. The policemen were demanding ₹10,000.”

Udit was placed in a car and rushed to AIIMS Bhopal after vomiting repeatedly and losing consciousness. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Police have launched a City Superintendent-level investigation, with statements from the family and friends being recorded. The victim’s relatives — including his brother-in-law, a DSP in Balaghat’s anti-Naxal unit — have demanded that those responsible be charged with murder.

The tragedy has reignited public anger over alleged police excesses and lack of accountability in Madhya Pradesh, as calls grow louder for an impartial probe and strict punishment for those involved.