Darbhanga doctor alleges SHO misconduct over minor traffic violation
Darbhanga: After a navigation error led to a minor traffic violation, a woman doctor alleged that the situation escalated unnecessarily when the station house officer responded aggressively, allegedly using abusive language and displaying his firearm, instead of handling the situation in a composed manner.
Unfamiliar with local roads, the doctor's car inadvertently moved into a one-way lane after relying on Google Maps for navigation. The conflict has surfaced in Darbhanga following allegations of misconduct against the officer heading the Benta police station.
The complaint was lodged by a doctor who stated that the incident occurred while she was on her way back from Patna to Darbhanga with her driver. The incident reportedly took place on VIP Road between Karpuri Chowk and Benta Chowk, reports Patna Press.
Speaking to Patna Press, the doctor said that 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 were 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''.
A video of the incident went viral, in which the officer is allegedly seen using abusive language and repeatedly shouting, “Gaadi chamka raha hai? Bahar nikal… Madam ho ya kuch ho, bahar nikal.” The woman doctor responded to the abuses, stating that in case of violation of any rules, the officer can issue a fine, but there is no need to behave rudely or hurl abuses. Senior police officers have already been notified.
Benta SHO Harendra Kumar, however, gave another version of the events and claimed that the car did not adhere to the one-way rule, and when the police tried to stop them, they attempted to speed away deliberately. “While trying to stop the vehicle, the driver suddenly accelerated. By chance, I and a constable and I 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 alleged that the driver had tried to intentionally run him over, aiming to cause harm. However, the driver was later only fined, and the vehicle was released. Senior Superintendent of Police Jagunath Reddy Jalarreddy mentioned that if the video is available, it will be officially examined. “If any police officer is found guilty during the inquiry, strict action will be taken as per rules,” the SSP said.
