Chhapra: Saran police have suspended Maker police station SHO Sangram Kumar Singh after a video purportedly showing him pointing and waving his pistol at people during flood relief distribution at Rewaghat went viral on social media.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Roshan Kumar ordered Singh’s immediate suspension after the video came to the attention of senior police officials.
The suspension order described the SHO’s conduct, prima facie, as reflecting gross negligence towards duty, indiscipline and arbitrary behaviour.
Dispute breaks out during relief distribution
The incident reportedly took place on Saturday at Rewaghat in the Maker police station area, where flood relief material was being distributed among affected residents.
A large number of people had gathered to collect relief supplies. A dispute reportedly broke out during the distribution, leading to an argument between people present at the spot and police personnel.
During the confrontation, Singh allegedly pulled out his service pistol. The viral video appears to show the SHO pointing the firearm towards people and waving it.
The circumstances leading to the confrontation are yet to be independently established.
Video reaches senior police officials
The video subsequently circulated on various social media platforms and reached senior police officials.
Following a preliminary examination of the footage and the circumstances surrounding the incident, SSP Roshan Kumar ordered Singh’s suspension with immediate effect.
The suspension order specifically referred to the video circulating on social media and stated that the SHO was seen pointing his pistol towards members of the public during the flood relief distribution.
Headquarters fixed during suspension
The suspension order also specifies the officer’s headquarters during the suspension period.
Singh will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per applicable rules, with payment subject to his attendance, according to the order.
The action comes amid heightened scrutiny of police conduct during flood relief operations in the district. The suspension indicates that the department has taken a strict view of the alleged conduct involving a firearm while dealing with members of the public.
Further departmental action will depend on the outcome of the inquiry into the incident.
