§ 44. Mr. C. EDWARDS (for Mr. MORGAN JONES)asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is in a position to make a statement regarding the attack by members of the police force upon a number of girls at Benares when these girls were stripped naked and beaten; and whether, as a consequence, the proper authorities have decided to take disciplinary action in regard to the officers concerned?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe first report of the incident appeared in a local Indian newspaper on the 16th March when it was stated that eight female Congress volunteers who were arrested in Benares City were improperly treated by police constables in the police station. Although no complaint had been made to the authorities, the District Magistrate immediately ordered an inquiry by a magistrate. As the result of this inquiry a Naik and four constables have been placed on trial on charges under the Indian Penal Code. The case will be heard by the District Magistrate in his own court.