Police brutality

Police Brutality refers to the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers, often resulting in physical and psychological harm to individuals. This term is commonly used to describe instances where police actions go beyond what is necessary to apprehend a suspect or maintain public order, leading to abuse, violence, or even death.

Police brutality can manifest in various forms, including physical violence (such as beatings or shootings), verbal abuse, unlawful arrests, sexual assault, and psychological intimidation. It often disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly racial and ethnic minorities, the economically disadvantaged, and other vulnerable groups.

The issue of police brutality has been a longstanding concern globally and has sparked numerous protests, movements, and calls for reform. High-profile cases of police brutality, particularly those captured on video, have led to widespread public outcry and have become central to movements such as Black Lives Matter in the United States.

Efforts to address police brutality typically involve demands for greater accountability, such as the implementation of body cameras, independent investigations into incidents of excessive force, changes in policing practices, and legal reforms to protect citizens' rights. Despite these efforts, police brutality remains a significant challenge in many countries, fueling ongoing debates about the role of law enforcement in society and the need for systemic change.

In September 2023, BOOM investigated a viral video that was falsely claimed to show three Muslim men accused in the murder and molestation case of a minor girl in Ambedkarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

BOOM found that the video was actually of murder accused from Rajasthan and had no connection to the UP case. The video was misleadingly shared to create a false narrative and stir communal tensions.