‘Prove charges of attack on cop with CCTV footage’

Lucknow: Parents of Lucknow University student Pulkit Shukla, accused of firing at a policeman, demanded on Wednesday examination of CCTV footage of the incident venue to verify the police claim. They also demanded CBCID probe into the incident.
The demand was supported by social activist Nutan Thakur and her IPS husband Amitabh Thakur in his personal capacity. The couple met the parents and examined copy of the FIR and arrest memo.Later, the parents and Thakur couple wrote to the principal secretary home and director general of police to order CBCID probe into the entire incident and get an administrative inquiry done within 10 days by a secretary level officer.
On being contacted, Pulkit's father Ram Sumiran Shukla claimed, “On seeing a girl being harassed, my son intervened and mistakenly lifted his hand on ASP Durgesh Kumar Singh. The actual incident will become absolutely clear if CCTV footage from the shop at Mahatma Gandhi Marg where the incident took place is examined.” He also said he had no more faith left in the investigation done by local police.
Thakurs said they went to Pulkit’s house and met his family members who told them their son was beaten up badly in the police station and they were informed about his arrest next day at 11.30am. “We also saw the FIR and the arrest memo. It talks of firing at police but no arms or ammunition were found on the spot. Hence, we supported parent's demand of CBCID probe,” Nutan told TOI.
Police had on Sunday evening arrested Pulkit, a student BA second year, from near Bishan Narain Inter College in Hazratganj, claiming he was harassing girls along with his three friends and when confronted, he fired at cops. Police nabbed him, while the three others fled.
On Monday, one of the girls police claimed was harassed wrote to principal secretary (home) claiming that Pulkit had come to rescue her from the three stalkers but police arrested him instead of the miscreants. On Tuesday, however, a youth who identified himself as Vishal Tiwari arrived at the Hazratganj police station, claiming to be witness of the incident. He gave in writing that he saw two girls been harassed by four boys who later assaulted him and clashed with the police.
Meanwhile, circle officer of Hazratganj, Ashok Kumar Verma said police will now record statement of Vishal before a magistrate under under Section 164 of the CrPC.