In a disturbing incident, four individuals involved in the smuggling of leopard skin were reportedly subjected to severe beatings by the officials who apprehended them.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when the accused were arrested by the authorities.

Allegedly, three out of the four accused were targeted with beatings on their buttocks and shoulders, causing these particular body parts to turn blue due to the brutality inflicted upon them with sticks or other objects.

The actions of the officials have sparked controversy, with accusations of excessive force being leveled against them.

Advocate Salim, representing the accused individuals, demanded that the court take action against the responsible officers and file a case under section 330 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Salim, who also served as the lawyer for Junipalli Srinivasa Rao, an accused person in the attack on YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at Visakhapatnam Airport, is leading the legal battle in this case.

The incident unfolded when officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence apprehended four individuals, two from Visakhapatnam and two from Odisha, for possession of leopard skin.

The accused, identified as Farooq (52), Khasim, Feroz, and Altaf, were found to be in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, as leopard skin is listed under Schedule I of the Act.

The authorities seized the leopard skin along with a four-wheeler, a two-wheeler, and five mobile phones from the possession of the accused.

Advocate Salim alleged that the investigation authorities went beyond legal boundaries by subjecting the accused to severe beatings, violating sections 50, 54, and 57 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

He further expressed concern over the lack of access to his clients, as they were taken to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's (CMM) court judge's house late at night on Wednesday without legal representation.

Demanding justice for his clients, Advocate Salim urged for the registration of a case under section 330 of the IPC against the police officers responsible for the alleged beatings.

The incident highlights the need for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the authorities involved and underscores the importance of upholding the principles of justice and human rights in law enforcement practices.

For More Updates: Follow Us https://www.instagram.com/hellovizag.in/