A traffic police constable in Ahmedabad has been suspended from duty following a public altercation where he was seen slapping a woman. The incident, captured on video, occurred near the Vastrapur Lake area on Thursday, May 23, and quickly spread across social media platforms, triggering widespread condemnation.
Video Evidence Triggers Public Outrage
The confrontation began when Constable Dilip Singh Zala, attached to the Sola police station's traffic division, stopped a woman for allegedly violating traffic rules. An argument ensued between the two. The situation escalated dramatically when Zala was filmed striking the woman. The viral video clearly shows the moment of the slap, leading to immediate public demands for strict action against the officer.
Following the circulation of the video, senior police officials took swift notice. The Ahmedabad police department initiated a prompt inquiry into the constable's conduct. The authorities reviewed the footage and statements from the scene before deciding on disciplinary measures.
Immediate Suspension and Departmental Inquiry
As a direct consequence of his actions, Constable Dilip Singh Zala was placed under suspension. The police department confirmed that a departmental inquiry has been launched against him to investigate the full circumstances of the event. This inquiry will determine if further disciplinary steps are warranted.
In an official statement, the Ahmedabad police emphasized that such behavior from an on-duty officer is unacceptable and does not align with the force's standards of conduct. The suspension serves as an immediate corrective action while the formal investigation proceeds.
Broader Implications for Police Conduct
This incident has reignited discussions about police behavior and the appropriate use of authority during public interactions, especially during traffic enforcement. While authorities maintain that citizens must obey traffic regulations, they also stress that enforcement must be carried out with professionalism and restraint.
The swift suspension is seen as a move to uphold accountability within the force and to reassure the public that misconduct will not be tolerated. The outcome of the departmental inquiry is now awaited, which will finalize the official response to this breach of protocol.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring that law enforcement officials exercise their power responsibly. It also underscores the role of citizen-recorded video in bringing instances of potential misconduct to light, holding public servants accountable for their actions on duty.
