Video of Bhopal cop abusing tribal students goes viral, officer suspended

A Bhopal police officer was suspended after allegedly abusing tribal students during a protest. The viral video prompted an inquiry and Umang Singhar's demand for an FIR.

In Short

• Students were stopped while marching towards the Chief Minister's residence
• Protesters chanted Jai Johar as police moved them into a vehicle
• Anil Kumar Sharma confirmed investigators had taken note of circulating footage

A police station in-charge in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal has been suspended after a video purportedly showing him using abusive language against tribal students protesting for their demands went viral on social media. The students were allegedly abused while chanting “Jai Johar”, a greeting associated with tribal communities.

Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar suspended Misrod police station in-charge Ratan Singh Parihar after the video surfaced. The police department has initiated an inquiry into the incident.

The development has triggered a political row, with Madhya Pradesh Assembly Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar demanding that an FIR be registered against the officer for allegedly insulting tribal students.

STUDENTS STOPPED WHILE HEADING TOWARDS CHIEF MINISTER'S RESIDENCE

The incident took place when tribal students were protesting in Bhopal over their various demands and began moving towards the Chief Minister's residence.

Police stopped them on the way and allegedly forced them into a police vehicle. The students were chanting “Jai Johar” while getting into the vehicle when Parihar, who was outside, allegedly used abusive language against them.

A video of the incident was recorded and shared on social media, drawing criticism over the police officer's alleged conduct.

UMANG SINGHAR DEMANDS FIR AGAINST OFFICER

Singhar expressed strong displeasure over the incident and called for legal action against the officer.

The Leader of Opposition said a police officer accused of insulting tribal students should face an FIR, stressing that the alleged misconduct concerned the dignity and respect of the tribal community.

The demand for an FIR comes after the police department suspended Parihar. The suspension is an immediate administrative measure, while the inquiry is expected to establish the circumstances of the incident and the officer's role.

POLICE CONFIRMS SUSPENSION, INQUIRY UNDERWAY

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Anil Kumar Sharma said the police had taken note of a video circulating on social media in which Inspector Ratan Singh Parihar was purportedly heard making remarks about tribal students.

Following the video's circulation, the officer was suspended and an investigation was initiated, Sharma said.

Further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry. As of now, the officer has been suspended, while Singhar's demand for an FIR remains a separate issue.

- Ends
With inputs from Dharmendra Sahoo