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Journalism of Courage
Following widespread backlash over a video that allegedly showed two uniformed police officers behaving inappropriately towards a man and a woman, reportedly siblings, inside a restaurant in Katihar, the Bihar Police stated that they have issued a show-cause notice to the officers concerned.
Acknowledging the incident that took place on October 24, the Bihar Police shared a statement on X on Monday, giving details about the incident that occurred in the Barsoi police station area of Katihar district.
They clarified that their team arrived at the restaurant in response to reports of the presence of “anti-social elements” at the venue and alleged that the brother and sister behaved disrespectfully toward the officers after being asked for their names and addresses.
The station head officer informed the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) about the incident, and a report was subsequently filed at the station. The department concluded by assuring that appropriate action would follow.
The police said in a statement that inspections of hotels and lodges were being conducted in the Manihari area in connection with the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections to keep a check on anti-social elements.
“Around 8 pm, information was received that some antisocial elements were sitting in the BR-11 Restaurant located near Barsoi Ram Chowk. Upon verifying this information, the Station House Officer (SHO) reached the restaurant along with the force around 8.10 pm.
When questioned about the identities of the people sitting there, they could not give a satisfactory answer.
This led to an argument between the police and the individuals, which led to a heated exchange in front of the police officers and others present at the spot,” the police said in a statement.
The police said that they have registered a case, and the SHO sent a report immediately to the SDPO Barsoi.
However, the police’s response did not satisfy many social media users.
One person said, “Dismiss these policemen from service as a message to men in uniform to serve the public & not rule like thugs & ruffians threatening & abusing those they are meant to serve.”
