Three Police Officers Suspended in Samastipur Over Assault Allegations
Three police personnel faced suspension in Samastipur district on Thursday. This action followed serious allegations of third-degree assault during a theft investigation. The suspended officers include a station house officer (SHO).
Viral Video Triggers Immediate Action
A video showing the victim alleging police brutality went viral on social media. This viral footage prompted swift action from authorities. Samastipur SP Arvind Pratap Singh ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter.
An additional SP led the investigation into the assault claims. The inquiry team submitted its report on January 14. Based on these findings, SP Singh ordered the suspension of three police personnel.
Departmental proceedings have now been initiated against the suspended officers. The police department is taking this matter very seriously.
The Theft Case That Started It All
The incident traces back to a jewellery shop theft in late December. On the night of December 28, thieves stole valuable items from a shop at Neem Chowk. The stolen goods included approximately 26 kilograms of silver and 60 grams of gold.
Cash amounting to Rs 20,000 also disappeared from the shop. This jewellery shop operates under the Tajpur police station area.
Manish Kumar had joined the shop as a salesperson about a month before the theft. He found himself at the center of the investigation soon after the crime was discovered.
Victim's Account of Events
Manish Kumar described what happened to him. "On the morning of December 29, the owner called me to the shop," he said. The owner informed him about the stolen silver and gold jewellery.
"When I reached the shop, police were already there," Manish continued. The police took him to the station for questioning. They released him around 9 pm that same day.
But his troubles didn't end there. Manish alleged that on January 31, the shopkeeper and his friends beat him. Police took him into custody again that same day.
"I was assaulted during interrogation," Manish claimed about his second detention. These allegations formed the basis of the inquiry.
Official Response and Suspensions
SP Arvind Pratap Singh provided official details about the case. "The victim, Manish Kumar, was working at a jewellery shop," Singh explained. The shop owner had accused Manish of stealing gold and silver ornaments.
Police took Manish into custody for questioning about the theft. He was allegedly brutally assaulted by officers at the Tajpur police station. The SP confirmed that action was taken based on the ASP's findings submitted on January 14.
The suspended personnel include Tajpur SHO Shankar Sharan Das. Also suspended are Rajvansh Kumar, the investigating officer of the theft case. Constable Rahul Kumar completes the list of suspended officers.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct during investigations. The viral video brought public attention to the alleged misconduct. Authorities are now dealing with both the theft case and the assault allegations separately.
