A QUARREL IN THE VILLAGE
Mohan is a farmer. His family owns a small agricultural field, which they have been farming for many years. Next to his field is Raghu's land which is separated from his by a small boundary called a bund.
One morning Mohan noticed that Raghu had shifted the bund by a few feet. By doing so, he had managed to take over some of Mohan's land and increased the size of his own field.
Mohan was angry but also a little frightened. Raghu's family-owned many fields and besides, his uncle was also the Sarpanch of the village. But even so, he plucked up courage and went to Raghu's house.
A heated argument followed. Raghu refused to accept that he had moved the bund. He called one of his helpers and they began shouting at Mohan and beating him up. The neighbours heard the commotion and rushed to the spot where Mohan was being beaten up. They took him away.
He was badly hurt on his head and hand. He was given first aid by one of his neighbours. His friend, who also ran the village post-office, suggested that they go to the local police station and file a report. Others were doubtful if this was a good idea because they felt they would waste a lot of money and nothing would come out of it. Some people said that Raghu's family would have already contacted the police station.
After much discussion, it was decided that Mohan would go to the police station along with some of the neighbours who had seen the incident.
Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK
AREA OF THE POLICE STATION
On the way to the police station, one of the neighbours asked, "Why don't we spend some more money and go to the main police station in the town?"
"It is not a question of money. We can register the case only in this police station because our village comes in its area of work," explained Mohan.
Every police station has an area that comes under its control. All persons in that area can report cases or inform the police about any theft, accident, injury, fight, etc. It is the responsibility of the police of that station to enquire, to investigate, and take action on the cases within its area.
Activity:
1. If there is a theft in your house which police station would you go to register your complaint?
2. What was the dispute between Mohan and Raghu?
3. Why was Mohan worried about picking a quarrel with Raghu?
4. Some people said Mohan should report the matter to the police and others said he should not. What were the arguments they gave?
Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK
THE WORK AT THE POLICE STATION
When they reached the police station Mohan went to the person in charge (Station House Officer or S.H.O.) and told him what had happened. He also said that he wanted to give the complaint in writing. The S.H.O rudely brushed him aside saying that he couldn't be bothered to waste his time writing down minor complaints and then investigating them. Mohan showed him his injuries but the S.H.O did not believe him.
Mohan was puzzled and did not know what to do. He was not sure why his complaint was not being recorded. He went and called his neighbours into the office. They argued strongly that Mohan had been beaten up in front of them and had they not rescued him he would have been injured very seriously. They insisted that the case be registered. Finally, the officer agreed. He asked Mohan to write down his complaint and also told the people that he would send a constable the next day to investigate the incident.
Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK