Story highlights Eric Parker was released last week after posting $1,000 bail

He is accused of assaulting Sureshbhai Patel while on duty and answering a suspicious person report

Patel was taken to the ground and needed spinal surgery

(CNN) Alabama's governor apologized for what he called an "unfortunate use of excessive force" by a police officer against an Indian man, even as the officer in question pleaded not guilty to assault.

Gov. Robert Bentley wrote a letter to the consul general of India in Atlanta, Ajit Kumar, offering an apology to the government of India for the "tragic incident."

"I wish to assure you and the government of India that we will see that justice is done," Bentley wrote.

On Tuesday, the officer, Eric Parker, entered a plea of not guilty in court.

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