Patna Police Takes Action Against Benta SHO for Misconduct with Female Doctor
In a significant development from Patna, Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jagunath Raddi has taken strict disciplinary action against a police officer for unprofessional conduct. On Wednesday, SSP Raddi suspended Benta Station House Officer (SHO) Harendra Kumar following a viral video that exposed his unruly behaviour towards a female doctor and her driver.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage and Investigation
The suspension came swiftly after a video capturing the incident on January 27 circulated widely on social media platforms. The footage showed SHO Harendra Kumar using abusive language and displaying unprofessional demeanour while interacting with the doctor and her driver. This incident quickly ignited widespread public outrage across Patna and beyond, raising serious concerns about the conduct and accountability of police personnel in the region.
SSP Jagunath Raddi emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, "Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rajiv Kumar was directed to investigate the authenticity of the viral video, and it was confirmed to be true. The SHO behaved very badly with the female doctor and her driver after their car accidentally entered a one-way road. Such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our force."
Immediate Consequences and Broader Implications
As a result of the probe, SHO Harendra Kumar faced immediate suspension and has been sent to the police lines. This decisive action underscores the Patna police administration's commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding ethical standards within the force. The incident has prompted discussions on:
- The need for enhanced sensitivity training for police officers in dealing with civilians, especially women professionals.
- The role of social media in holding public servants accountable for misconduct.
- Measures to prevent similar occurrences and ensure swift justice in cases of police misbehaviour.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism in law enforcement and the consequences of failing to adhere to established codes of conduct. Authorities in Patna are likely to review protocols to prevent such incidents in the future, reinforcing public trust in the police system.