Darbhanga: A controversy has erupted in Darbhanga after serious allegations of misbehaviour and verbal abuse were levelled against the in-charge of Benta police station. The complaint has been made by Dr Tejaswini Pandey, granddaughter of city-based doctor Sushila Thakur, who was returning home with her driver when the incident occurred.
According to the woman doctor, their car accidentally entered a one-way stretch due to lack of route knowledge while using Google Maps. She alleged that instead of handling the minor traffic violation calmly, the station house officer (SHO) became aggressive, used abusive language, and even tried to intimidate them by pulling out his pistol.
Dr Pandey said she was travelling from Patna to Darbhanga and was unfamiliar with the city routes. “There was some traffic congestion and traffic police were clearing the way. We moved forward when suddenly the officer hit the car window with his gun. If it was a one-way violation, traffic police could have issued the fine. Instead, the SHO pressed the gun against my driver’s neck and forced him out of the car. I felt completely unsafe,” she said.
A 30-second video related to the incident has also surfaced, in which the officer is allegedly seen abusing the driver and repeatedly shouting, “Gaadi chamka raha hai? Bahar nikal… Madam ho ya kuch ho, bahar nikal.”
The incident reportedly took place on VIP Road between Karpuri Chowk and Benta Chowk.
The woman doctor can also be heard in the video asking the officer not to behave rudely and to issue a fine if there was a violation. Sources said the matter has been reported to senior police officers. The incident occurred on a day when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was scheduled to visit Darbhanga.
SHO Admits Using Abusive Language
Benta SHO Harendra Kumar, however, gave a different version of events. He said the vehicle was stopped for violating the one-way rule, but the driver allegedly tried to speed away deliberately.
“While trying to stop the vehicle, the driver suddenly accelerated. By chance, I and a constable narrowly escaped being hit. The driver fled at high speed. Later, when the vehicle was stopped again and the driver was asked to step out, he refused to open the door. I got angry and used some abusive words, which I accept,” the SHO said.
He further claimed that the driver had attempted to run him over with the intention to kill. However, later only a fine was imposed on the driver and the vehicle was released.
Probe Ordered, Action Promised
Senior Superintendent of Police Jagunath Reddy Jalarreddy said that the video, if available, would be formally examined.
“If any police officer is found guilty during the inquiry, strict action will be taken as per rules,” the SSP said.
