Two cops suspended for taking pics with Hardik Patel while in custody

Two policemen attached with the city Crime Branch have been suspended today for allegedly taking a picture with Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel, who is in their custody on charges of sedition.

Constable Mahendrasinh Javansinh was suspended after a photo showing him standing near Hardik went viral on social media like Whatsapp, police said.

Besides, head constable Arun Dale, who works as computer operator with Crime Branch, has also been suspended. Mahendrasinh had allegedly asked Dale to take his picture with Hardik while the latter was in their custody, they said.

In the photo, Hardik is seen sitting inside a room of Crime Branch (CB) office while Mahendrasinh is standing near him in civil dress.

"It is strictly prohibited to take pictures with an accused during police custody. After preliminary inquiry, we found both of them guilty. One policeman clicked the photo while another stood next to Hardik. Thus, we have suspended both of them today," Deputy Commissioner of Police-Crime Deepan Bhadran said.

Hardik was arrested by the city Crime Branch from Surat on October 23 after it lodged an FIR against him. He has been charged with stringent sections of IPC, including 124-A (sedition) and 121 (waging war against government) among other sections.

A day later, a local court sent the 22-year-old Patel leader in seven days remand of the Crime Branch.