Pune Student Alleges Assault By RPF Personnel

A 25-year-old Digital Media student of Savitribai Phule Pune University has alleged that he was brutally assaulted by Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at Pune Railway Station on August 24. The student, Ronit Rabhaji Arune, claims that the incident occurred at around 11pm near the Hitachi ATM close to the station’s main entrance.

According to Arune, he saw RPF personnel assaulting workers and members of the public with sticks and intervened before recording the incident on his mobile phone. He alleged that the RPF personnel became angry and forcibly dragged him to the RPF post, where he was assaulted and sustained a severe blow to his left ear and head.

The blow to his left ear caused his eardrum to rupture, and Arune was in severe mental shock after the assault. He initially left Pune on a 4.30am train to travel to his hometown but returned after experiencing severe pain, bleeding, and throbbing in his ear.

Medical records cited by Arune include an official medico-legal case (MLC) registered at Sassoon General Hospital, which records a perforated left eardrum and blood clots. An ENT examination at the university’s health centre has also recorded “Left TM Traumatic Perforation” and recommended tympanoplasty surgery.

Arune is a Digital Media and Film Making student, and this injury has put his education and future career at risk. He has filed an RTI application with the railway administration seeking preservation of CCTV footage from the station and RPF post area from the night of the incident.

Arune has demanded an FIR, suspension of the concerned personnel, preservation of CCTV evidence, and compensation for his treatment, surgery, academic losses, and alleged impact on his career. The RPF has not responded to requests for comment on the incident.

The incident has raised concerns about the behavior of RPF personnel and the need for greater accountability. Arune's case is a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.

The incident is also a reminder of the importance of preserving CCTV footage and other evidence in cases of alleged misconduct. Arune's RTI application seeking preservation of CCTV footage is a crucial step in ensuring that the truth about the incident is revealed.

In conclusion, the alleged assault of Ronit Rabhaji Arune by RPF personnel at Pune Railway Station is a serious incident that requires immediate attention and action. The demand for an FIR, suspension of the concerned personnel, and compensation for Arune's medical and academic losses is a reasonable one, and it is hoped that the authorities will take swift and decisive action to address the situation.

The incident has significant implications for the community, highlighting the need for greater accountability and transparency in the actions of RPF personnel. It is essential that the authorities take steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Overall, the alleged assault of Ronit Rabhaji Arune is a disturbing incident that requires a thorough investigation and swift action. It is hoped that the authorities will take the necessary steps to address the situation and to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.