“The PCR took the injured to the hospital and soon we decided to follow,” Malkeet said. “In the hospital, we found Mandeep lying unattended on a stretcher. Doctors said his CT scan was to be done for which somebody needed to deposit Rs 800. We deposited the money and brought medicines for them.”

Paramveer added: “The police came to the hospital and asked for eyewitnesses. We told them we saw everything, but they did not take down our statements.

Sukhdev then called up the Senior Superintendent of Police and briefed him about the matter. “He asked me to approach the SHO of the area instead of him,” Sukhdev said. “The next day we came to know that the police have registered a case against the youths though the sub-inspector was at fault.”