A police inspector in Mau, Uttar Pradesh, has been removed from her post after a video of her questioning a young man and his two sisters in a public park went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism.
What Happened in the Viral Video?
The incident occurred near the Sheetla temple in Mau three days ago. Inspector Manju Singh, the in-charge of the women's police station, was conducting checks as part of the Mission Shakti campaign. A video, which later spread across social platforms, showed her stopping a boy and two girls as they were leaving the park.
When the trio informed her they were siblings, the inspector asked them to call their father to verify the claim. After the call was made, she took the phone and proceeded to advise the father not to allow his children to go out without guardians. The inspector was accompanied by a team of policewomen who were also collecting details like identity, phone numbers, and parents' names from other visitors in the park.
Immediate Action and Departmental Probe
Following the uproar over the video, senior police officials took swift action. On Tuesday, Inspector Manju Singh was removed from her position and attached to the police office. Mau Superintendent of Police Elamaran G confirmed that a departmental inquiry has been initiated into the matter.
The SP stated that the action was taken because her style of questioning the youth and the girls was deemed inappropriate. The Mau police also issued a statement reiterating their commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of all citizens.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The viral clip triggered a debate on the methods employed under safety initiatives like Mission Shakti, which aims to empower women and ensure their security. Many netizens and local residents questioned whether such intrusive verification of family members in public spaces was justified or if it overstepped personal boundaries.
This incident highlights the fine line between ensuring public safety and respecting individual privacy. The departmental probe ordered will likely examine the standard operating procedures for such campaigns to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
