A senior police inspector in Nagpur, who had earned 400 rewards and 25 appreciation letters during nine years of battling Maoists in Gadchiroli, faced disciplinary action after a video of him discussing fuel shortage went viral. The officer, Inspector Baburao Raut, was transferred to the control room on Wednesday night following the controversy.
Incident Details
The video, recorded four days ago inside his chamber at Pachpaoli police station in the presence of 15-20 people, captured Raut sharing a banter about the austerity drive to save fuel. In the video, he allegedly remarked that his vehicle had run out of diesel, expressing inability to launch a search for a 21-year-old nursing student who had gone missing. The woman was later found to be safe with a male friend, and Raut had sought assistance from another district police unit rather than driving to rescue her.
Interpretation and Reaction
While sources claimed the video was a pressure tactic to bring the woman back and file a case against the friend, the remark was widely interpreted as reluctance. The opposition parties seized upon the clip to criticize the government. The woman returned home after learning police were trailing her, and the missing case was closed with her family thanking the police. However, sources said the family was aware of details yet mounted pressure on police.
Resource Constraints
Senior officers pointed to a severe shortage of vehicles, with inspectors having no dedicated vehicle. One officer stated, "There are almost no funds available for probes that require extensive travelling and logistics support. Cops perform most of the investigation by spending from their pockets. This is frustrating." The episode has triggered debate within the force about resource constraints versus public expectations.
Raut's Background
Raut had a reputation for dedication and had earlier helped a woman officer secure permission to travel to Jabalpur to rescue a minor girl. He served in high-risk Maoist zones with distinction. Many colleagues view his candid remarks as highlighting ground realities faced by police personnel.
