Surat Police Officer Suspended Following Internal Inquiry into Hathoda Village Attack
A police sub-inspector attached to the Kosamba police station in Surat was suspended on Monday after an internal inquiry found him negligent in connection with the February 26 attack on police personnel at Hathoda village. The disciplinary action highlights administrative scrutiny over the violent incident that involved allegations of cow slaughter.
Details of the Suspension and Inquiry Findings
Sub-inspector A D Dhadhal was placed under suspension after the inquiry concluded he failed to properly discharge his duties related to the attack. According to police sources, Dhadhal had been assigned patrol duty on the night of the incident and had updated his location to the control room. However, during the investigation, officers on field duty could not confirm his presence at the designated spot, raising questions about his accountability.
Chronology of the Hathoda Village Attack
The attack occurred in the early hours of February 26 after Kosamba police received specific intelligence about alleged cow slaughter activity in an isolated field on the outskirts of Hathoda village. A team of six officers, accompanied by an informer described as a gau rakshak (cow protector), reached the location to verify the information.
Police reported that a few individuals initially arrived on a motorcycle and began arguing with the officers in an apparent attempt to obstruct the search. They later summoned more people, leading to a mob of over 50 locals allegedly armed with sticks, pipes, and stones attacking the police team and the informer.
Post-Incident Actions and Administrative Changes
Following the violent confrontation, police conducted a combing operation in Hathoda village and arrested 22 persons the next morning. In related administrative moves, Kosamba police inspector D L Khachar was transferred to the leave reserve, while police inspector R H Maru from Kamrej was posted to Kosamba to assume charge. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to address operational lapses and ensure better policing in the region.
The suspension of Sub-inspector Dhadhal underscores the police department's commitment to accountability, particularly in cases involving communal tensions and law enforcement challenges in rural areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations into the attack proceed.
