Mogilal Ashuji Rabari was driving Arvind Mills staff to Ghodasar in an omnibus when the policemen overtook him at the railway crossing near Parimal Garden and signalled him to a halt.

They asked Rabari for his driving licence and vehicle registration papers. When he produced photocopies of the documents, the policemen insisted on the originals and demanded Rs 50. They set upon him when he said he was penniless, punching him in the stomach and face.

The passengers rushed out hearing the driver's cries and found him lying on the road. Some passers-by had also started gathering.

The policemen fled on their motorcycle. Neither the driver nor the witnesses got the motorcycle number, but said the policemen were in uniform. The passengers then took the driver to V.S. Hospital. The Ellis Bridge police station has registered a against two ``unidentified gathering. The policemen fled on their motorcycle. Neither the driver nor the witnesses got the motorcycle number, but said the policemen were in uniform. The passengers then took the driver to V.S. Hospital.

The Ellis Bridge police station has registered a against two ``unidentified policemen''. A police officer said they were trying to find out if the assailants were really policemen.

Rabari, who lives near the Anjali cinema, drives Arvind Mills staff home every night in a bus belonging to Maruti Travels. He said this was the first time he learnt -- first-hand unfortunately -- of policemen beating up a person for refusing a bribe.