Harbin police officer ‘beaten to death’ on Chinese New Year Eve

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While many Chinese people were welcoming the Year of the Rooster on Friday, a police officer in Harbin was battling for his life.

Qu Yuquan, the 38-year-old officer, was allegedly assaulted at a karaoke bar while on duty on New Year’s Eve, according to Harbin Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Qu Yuquan. / Photo from official Weibo account of the Harbin Municipal Public Security Bureau

Qu, along with his colleague Li Zhendong, had rushed to the KTV venue after receiving reports of a fight. But he was attacked and soon rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to injuries, as per the information published in the bureau’s official Weibo account.

According to @Bingchengshuli, a verified Weibo account of an officer in the same public security sub-bureau, Qu was allegedly “beaten to death” by the gang of five who were seen fleeing the scene in a video provided by a witness.

@Bingchengshuli, a a verified account of a policeman in the same public security sub-bureau with Qu, reports Qu's death. / Beijing News Photo

As of Saturday, the five suspects have been arrested and further investigation is currently underway, Harbin Municipal Public Security Bureau announced on its Weibo account.

Harbin Municipal Public Security Bureau's Weibo account reports the seize of all five suspects.

Qu had served in the police department for 10 years and was highly recognized and respected by locals. Last February, he was commended for his efforts in finding a missing man and reuniting him with his daughter after 34 years.

“We are greatly impressed by Qu,” a resident living in the area under Qu’s department told reporters from Southern Metropolis Daily, adding, “he would always help whenever people came to him.”

Qu was thanked by the woman for finding her long-lost father in February last year. / Beijing News Photo

“We are greatly impressed by Qu,” a residence living in the area under the administration of Qu’s police station told reporters from Southern Metropolis Daily, adding “he would always help whenever people come to him.”

Qu’s death highlights the high risks associated with the job – many police officers and security personnel are regularly assaulted verbally and physically. Some 2,129 officers have died while on duty between 2010 and 2014, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Qu is survived by his wife and a four-year-old daughter.

Qu interacts with his daughter. / Photo from @Bingchengshuli's Weibo account

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