Police hit me, claims accused

DUBAI // A bank clerk accused of attempting to bribe two police officers has claimed that they assaulted him after his vehicle was stopped for illegally transporting alcohol. The 35-year-old Indian, A K, was arrested on February 22 after officers spotted him driving his 4x4 in a suspicious manner in Jebel Ali. They pulled him over and recovered 300 bottles of whiskey. A K, who is charged with bribery and illegal possession of alcohol, claimed that he was beaten with a wooden stick during the incident, while the arresting officers said he offered them a Dh50,000 (US$13,600) bribe and a Lexus car to let him go.

The Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance heard that A K pushed an officer to the ground and tried to escape. He was subdued, according to the officer, and another policeman hit the defendant with a stick. A verdict is expected on May 18.
amustafa@thenational.ae