New Delhi, Dec 3 (IANS): There is something seriously wrong with Indian police -- they don't seem to understand their role in a democracy, an official of an international human rights organisation said Tuesday.

The official of Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) was referring to the public thrashing of four murder suspects by Anantpur police in Andhra Pradesh.

"There is something seriously wrong with policing. A modern democracy needs a modern police. The police doesn't seem to understand their role in a democracy, but are stuck in the colonial-feudal mould," said CHRI director Maja Daruwala.

"The police have become used to routine violence being the primary means of policing. Police are required to uphold the law and investigate crimes. It is for the court to decide guilt or innocence," added Daruwala.

He also underlined the need for seniors in the establishment and the government to take swift action against the erring officers to send a message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

CHRI is an international organisation to support human rights.