On Camera, UP Cops Savagely Thrashing Men Is "Return Gift" For BJP MLA

According to reports, the video was shot two days ago in a police station in Saharanpur, where protests and clashes erupted after Friday prayers over the controversial remarks against Prophet Muhammad by two former BJP spokespersons.

Around nine men beg and try to block blows raining incessantly on them from two policemen armed with sticks in what appears to be a police station, but in vain.

A video of the incident shared by an Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA on Twitter with the caption "return gift for rioters" has triggered criticism of the cops and allegations of police brutality by the opposition.

MLA Shalabh Mani Tripathi is a former journalist and used to be media advisor to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Mr Tripathi shared no details of where the incident took place or when.