Bilaspur Police Take Action on Viral Uniform Dance Reel and Armed Advocate Incident
In Bilaspur district, two separate viral videos have led to significant police action, highlighting concerns over professional conduct and public safety. A constable was disciplined for dancing in uniform, while a high court advocate was arrested for brandishing weapons in a residential area.
Constable Disciplined for Viral Dance Reel in Police Uniform
Constable Devanand Kaivartya, posted at Masturi police station, has been removed from field duty and attached to the Bilaspur reserve centre. This action followed a video of him dancing with his wife to the Sambalpuri song "Hai Rani, Hello Rani" going viral on social media. The reel, recorded in police uniform, gained widespread attention after the disciplinary measures were announced, with many praising it, but senior officers deemed it inappropriate.
Bilaspur SSP Rajnesh Singh ordered a probe into the clip, finding it violated departmental discipline and professional standards. "The uniform is a matter of honour and authority, and it comes with responsibility. If you are in uniform, it implies you are on duty. Dancing and making such reels is not appropriate," Singh told TOI. He emphasized that police are part of a disciplined, uniformed force and must adhere to the highest standards.
Singh noted that while motivational or contextually appropriate content in uniform might not draw objections, "the taste and mood of this reel did not match the discipline expected of the uniform." He added that the constable had made other videos earlier without issue, but this instance crossed the line and could undermine the seriousness expected during duty. An internal inquiry confirmed the act was inconsistent with the dignity of the police force, and Singh warned that the rising trend of making reels in uniform will be dealt with strictly.
High Court Advocate Arrested for Brandishing Weapons in Residential Colony
In a separate case, police arrested 41-year-old high court advocate Anshuman Shrivastava after a video showed him allegedly creating panic by openly displaying weapons in a residential colony. The incident occurred in the upscale Ramavally colony in Chakrabhatha on Sunday night.
According to police reports, Shrivastava was sitting outside his house, consuming alcohol, when he began waving a sword, an axe, and a pistol, allegedly intimidating passersby. The video, recorded by local residents, quickly circulated on social media, prompting immediate police action. A team reached the spot, cordoned off the house, and apprehended the advocate with the weapons in his possession.
During the search, police seized a 32.5-inch sword, a black pistol, and an axe. Investigators stated that the pistol recovered was illegal, as Shrivastava did not possess a valid licence. A case has been filed against him under the Arms Act, highlighting the severity of the offense.
These incidents underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining discipline and public order in the digital age, with social media playing a pivotal role in bringing such cases to light.
