In a clear demonstration of how technology can safeguard law enforcement officers, a traffic police sub-inspector in Bengaluru was exonerated from false allegations of assault after footage from his body-worn camera revealed the truth. The incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation on social media and the vital role of recorded evidence.
The Traffic Stop and Violation
The incident occurred near the Devanahalli bypass. Sub-inspector Shankarappa Dat, attached to the Devanahalli traffic police station, flagged down a motorcycle rider identified as Mahendra for clear traffic violations. The motorcycle was being ridden without any registration number plates, and the female pillion rider was not wearing a helmet, both serious offences under traffic rules.
When questioned by the officer, Mahendra reportedly responded with arrogance. He claimed that the vehicle dealer had failed to provide the number plates and suggested that action should be taken against the dealership instead. The sub-inspector, however, pointed out a critical detail: the motorcycle's dashboard showed it had been ridden for over 7,000 kilometres, making the dealer excuse highly questionable.
The False Allegation and Social Media Storm
Following an argument that lasted for more than 30 minutes, Mahendra eventually paid a fine of Rs 3,000 and left the scene. However, the matter did not end there. Soon after, Mahendra (using the handle @Mahendra7353855) took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to allege that SI Shankarappa Dat and his team had assaulted him.
His post gained attention, prompting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic, North Division) Jayaprakash SH to order an immediate inquiry into the serious allegations against the officer.
Body Camera Footage Reveals the Truth
The inquiry took a decisive turn when investigators examined the complete video and audio footage recorded by the body-worn camera that SI Dat was using during the interaction. The officer, an ex-Army man with eight years of service in the city police, stated that it is his standard practice to switch on the camera while issuing fines to protect against such false claims.
The footage provided an irrefutable account. It clearly established that Mahendra and his pillion rider were indeed violating traffic rules. Crucially, it showed that the video clips Mahendra had posted on social media were edited and incomplete. Key portions of the incident had been deliberately omitted to create a misleading narrative and spread misinformation among the public.
Based on this evidence, the police confirmed SI Shankarappa Dat's innocence. DCP Jayaprakash SH formally communicated these findings in a reply to Mahendra's post on X, detailing how the investigation cleared the officer.
"A preliminary inquiry was conducted regarding allegations... The footage clearly establishes that the two-wheeler rider... was found violating traffic rules," the DCP stated, exposing the fabricated claim.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of body cameras in modern policing, not only for transparency but also as a crucial shield for officers performing their duty against malicious attempts to defame them.
