A police head constable in Ahmedabad has been suspended following a public altercation with a woman over a traffic violation, an incident captured in videos that spread rapidly across social media. The event, which occurred in the Paldi area on Friday, has led to a complex dispute with both the officer and the woman filing official complaints against each other.
The Confrontation and Conflicting Claims
The episode began when Head Constable Jayantibhai Zala stopped a woman for allegedly riding a two-wheeler without a helmet and on the wrong side of the road. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic West) Bhavana Patel, Zala was suspended for hitting the woman. The core of the dispute revolves around the handling of the officer's identification card.
The woman stated in media interviews that after the constable asked for her license, she requested to see his ID. She claims the ID card accidentally fell from her hand while returning it, which angered Zala, leading to abuse and assault. She reported injuries to her eye and ear and alleged that when she tried to file a complaint, only an application was initially accepted, forcing her to return to the police station to lodge a formal First Information Report (FIR).
In a counter-complaint filed with the N Traffic Division, the constable presented a different version. His complaint accuses the woman of obstructing a police officer, rash driving, abuse, and criminal intimidation. He alleged that the woman took his ID card and "threw it at his face."
Viral Videos and Political Reaction
Several video clips from the scene have circulated online. One set shows Zala slapping the woman and attempting to attack her with a stick before being led away by other officers. In these videos, the woman is heard saying, "Even if he is a police officer, he has no right to assault me," and detailing how he first grabbed her hand before slapping her, causing minor bleeding.
The incident drew sharp political commentary. Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani took to social media platform X, expressing outrage. "Seeing the Ahmedabad police behave like this with women makes one's blood boil!" he wrote, arguing that asking for an ID card is not a crime and demanding immediate justice.
Broader Context and Police Investigation
Following the viral spread of the initial assault video, other purported clips emerged, showing a longer sequence of events. One video shows the woman jumping a traffic signal, while another clip includes her alleging she was stopped because of her gender and subsequently abusing the police officers. A separate video from November 14 at Shyamal Crossroads also surfaced, showing the same woman in a heated argument with police where she claims they demanded Rs 500 to avoid a challan.
DCP Bhavana Patel confirmed that police are aware of these additional videos. "Once we receive the videos, we will verify them and initiate further action," Patel stated, indicating the investigation is ongoing and may expand based on the new evidence.
The case has escalated into a major controversy, highlighting tensions between law enforcement and civilians. While the constable faces immediate disciplinary action through suspension, the filing of cross-complaints ensures a legal battle will determine the final outcome, with police promising to scrutinize all available footage.
