The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched an investigation into an incident captured on video, showing a police officer kicking a man in the head during an encounter on the Rupert Craig Highway. The video, which surfaced on social media on Monday, has sparked outrage.
In the video, a man was seen lying face down on the road, surrounded by police officers, when one officer approached, kicked him in the head, and shouted, “Don’t move!”. The man, clutching his head, was pushed back to the ground by two officers as he attempted to get up.
The officer seen kicking the civilian in his head
The officer involved has since been placed under arrest, and an investigation is ongoing. The circumstances leading to the man’s arrest remain unclear.
In October, Feroze Khan, a 29-year-old ambulance driver, claimed he was brutally assaulted during his arrest by police officers in Region One (Barima -Waini).
Khan’s ordeal reportedly began on September 29 when he encountered police officers while transporting passengers from the Amerindian Heritage Celebrations at White Water. According to reports, Khan was driving home when he tried to overtake a police vehicle with flashing lights.
The officers allegedly blocked his attempts to pass. After finally overtaking them, Khan drove home, but the officers reportedly pursued him.
It was alleged that as soon as Khan parked his vehicle, officers pulled him out and began assaulting him. In a video of the incident, Khan was seen resisting arrest, hurling abusive language, and allegedly assaulting an officer. Police later stated that a sergeant lost a tooth and sustained injuries during the encounter.
Regional Commander, Superintendent Krishnadat Ramana, denied allegations of brutality, claiming that Khan inflicted injuries on himself while resisting arrest. Ramana also stated that Khan was taken for medical attention at the Mabaruma District Hospital after his family requested it. (G9)
