A senior officer from the Indian Navy found himself on the wrong side of the law in Visakhapatnam after a dramatic confrontation with the city's traffic police. The incident, which escalated from a routine traffic stop to an alleged assault on a public servant, led to the officer's arrest in the early hours of Sunday.
Details of the Traffic Violation and Confrontation
The sequence of events began when the naval officer, identified as Lieutenant Commander Rahul Krishnan, aged 32, was driving his car at high speed. According to the Malkapuram police, he was under the influence of alcohol. The situation was compounded by ongoing IOCL pipeline works, which had led to a roadblock on a stretch under the Malkapuram police station limits. Despite clear diversions, the officer attempted to enter the blocked road.
Police personnel tried to intercept the officer's vehicle, but he did not stop initially. His path was finally blocked due to the ongoing works, allowing the police to reach the spot. The officers then questioned him for rash and negligent driving and for violating traffic norms.
The Assault and Subsequent Legal Action
The situation took a serious turn when Lieutenant Commander Krishnan allegedly began abusing the traffic sub-inspector who was questioning him. The verbal altercation quickly turned physical, with the naval officer accused of assaulting the police sub-inspector.
Based on a formal complaint from the traffic sub-inspector, the Malkapuram police registered a case against Rahul Krishnan. The charges were filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including using criminal force against a public servant, endangering life or personal safety through rashness or negligence, and obstructing a public servant from discharging their duties. Additional charges under the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act were also invoked.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Following the registration of the case, the 32-year-old naval officer was arrested by the Malkapuram police. He was later produced before a local court. The court granted him release on a self-bond, a standard procedure for certain bailable offences. The incident has raised questions about discipline and has put a spotlight on the consequences of drunk driving and resisting law enforcement, even for individuals in prestigious positions.
The arrest of a serving military officer for assaulting a police official is a rare and serious occurrence, highlighting the zero-tolerance approach towards attacks on public servants performing their duty. The case is now proceeding through the legal system.
