Several states across India have embraced full or partial lockdown as India battles the second wave of Covid. Local authorities in every city are attempting to enforce the restrictions set. Nonetheless, a video from Punjab has surfaced online, in which a Station House Officer appears to allegedly harass a vegetable vendor, reports TOI.
The video shows SHO Phagwara, Navdeep Singh kick the vendor’s basket while attempting to enforce lockdown. Have a look at the video:
Absolutely shameful and unacceptable. I have suspended SHO Phagwara. Such misbehaviour will not be tolerated at any cost and those who indulge in it will have to face serious consequences. https://t.co/terAynz6ao
— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) May 5, 2021
People on social media objected to the SHO’s conduct and police authorities took strict action against Singh.
This is unacceptable. But at same time concern officer views should also be taken into account. in an interview he said 8 positive cases within 300 meters
and all were vegetable suppliers.— Gaurav Sharma Chhibber (@GSharmaC) May 5, 2021
Thanks for your quick and right action. But sir don't you think that you need to educate Punjab police officers about how to behave with Public. They are always high on power. You can arrange online classes for teaching them some manners and sensible behaviour with public.
— Punjaban_Rocks (@PunjabanRocks) May 5, 2021
You are right. We are doing all that we can but aberrations do happen and we take action. It’s a continuous process and we will continue to go down this road!
— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) May 5, 2021
Punjab Police Director General, Dinkar Gupta confirmed via a tweet that Singh has been suspended. A departmental inquiry against Navdeep Singh is also underway, reports News18. Cops in Kapurthala have announced that they will reimburse the vegetable vendor for the loss and are chipping in a sum from their salaries to help the vendor.
What do you think of the policeman’s actions?