Agra Police Video Shows Officers Planting Evidence on Youths in Phone Snatching Case
A disturbing video that surfaced on social media on Sunday has sparked outrage in Agra, showing two sub-inspectors and two constables allegedly planting evidence on two youths who were arrested last November on charges of phone snatching. The video, which has gone viral, depicts the police personnel placing knives and a mobile phone into the trouser pockets of the two young men, who are in their early twenties.
Police Personnel Transferred and Inquiry Ordered
In response to the video, Aligarh Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Neeraj Kumar Jadaun took swift action on Sunday, attaching the accused officers to the police lines and ordering a departmental inquiry. The officers were posted at the Akrabad police station in Aligarh district at the time of the incident.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sanjeev Tomar clarified that the video is approximately two months old and was recorded in the Panaithi police outpost area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Akrabad police station. He emphasized that the authorities are taking the matter seriously.
Families Allege Wrongful Arrest and Police Misconduct
The families of the accused youths, identified as Sonu and Kapil, have come forward with allegations of police misconduct. They claim that the police picked up the youths from their homes, contradicting the police's statement that the arrests were made from a location under the Panaithi outpost.
Mamta Devi, the mother of Kapil, vehemently asserted her son's innocence, stating, "My son is innocent, he did nothing wrong." Her emotional plea highlights the distress faced by families caught in such situations.
Background of the Case and Legal Proceedings
According to official police records, the incident dates back to November 11, 2025, when a mobile phone snatching occurred in an area under the Akrabad police station. The victim filed a complaint against unknown persons, leading to the registration of a case under BNS Section 304-2, which pertains to the crime of snatching.
Days after the complaint, police arrested Sonu and Kapil and added BNS Section 317-2 to the First Information Report (FIR). This section deals with the offence of dishonestly receiving or retaining stolen property, knowing or having reason to believe it is stolen.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
A police officer involved in the case stated, "The SP (Rural) has been directed to provide the probe report within 48 hours. Based on the investigation, necessary action will be taken." This indicates that the authorities are committed to a thorough investigation and will take appropriate measures based on the findings.
The video also shows another police officer clicking photographs and recording video during the alleged evidence planting, raising further questions about the conduct of the police personnel involved.
As the inquiry progresses, the case has drawn attention to issues of police accountability and the need for transparency in law enforcement operations. The outcome of the departmental inquiry will be crucial in determining the next steps and ensuring justice for all parties involved.
