“While it is your right to upload to social media, it is your responsibility to lodge complaints. Not alerting the police could lead to unnecessary delay in probing the case,” Commissioner Dayanand said.
Published Apr 22, 2025 | 2:04 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 22, 2025 | 2:04 PM
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayanand.
Synopsis: After CCTV footage of an IAF officer assaulting a man went public, the police commissioner asked citizens to report any law and order incident to the police rather than posting them on social media. The IAF officer had claimed that the man had assaulted him, and gave the incident a linguistic tinge on his social media posts.
In a strong message to the public, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayanand emphasised the importance of reporting criminal or sensitive incidents directly to the police rather than relying solely on social media platforms to highlight them.
At a press conference, Dayanand acknowledged that the citizens have a right to upload videos and express concerns on social media. However, they are also responsible for formally reporting such incidents to the police stations concerned.
“Our message to all those who upload certain videos on social media is that you have the right to upload your videos on social media, but you also have the responsibility to register or lodge complaints at the police stations concerned,” he said.
“Unless you lodge an FIR in the police station or bring the matter to the notice of the police, the police cannot take it up. There will be an unnecessary delay if the matter is not brought to the police station or police authorities quickly. There will be a delay in investigation, a delay in finding out the veracity of the incident,” the officer explained.
The commissioner further cautioned the public about sharing unverified or misleading content online.
“If you upload such videos on social media, it should be factual, it should be authentic, and it should be truthful. Otherwise, such things, especially when it comes to language, race, community, and religion, can escalate fast,” he said.
He urged citizens to first bring matters to the attention of law enforcement.
“Please bring it to the notice of the police and allow the police authorities to handle the situation. If you are not satisfied with the police response, then you always have the option of going to social media. Or even after informing the police, you have all the freedom, liberty, and time to do whatever you want on social media.”
Commissioner Dayanand gave an update on the case and counter-case that was filed in the court on the incident that drew attention online—an altercation between a biker and the occupants of a car, who were Indian Air Force (IAF) officers.
This occurred in the Bayappanahalli police station limits. “Case and counter-case have been registered in the Bayappanahalli Police Station. Police are investigating both cases. Based on eyewitness accounts, CCTV footage, and various other methods, we will collect all the information and come to conclusions,” the commissioner said.
He reiterated that official updates on the case will be shared only after a thorough investigation and urged the public to refrain from speculating based on partial or unauthenticated clips circulating online.
The incident drew widespread condemnation on social media after the IAF officer posted videos on Instagram with his version of the incident.
On Monday, 21 April, Wing Commander Shiladtiya Bose and his wife Madhumita, a squadron leader with the Defence Research and Development Organisation, alleged that they were attacked by locals while driving in the Baiyappanahalli police station limits at around 6.20 am.
In one of his posts, Bose claimed he was assaulted by a Kannada-speaking man and threatened him because his car bore a DRDO sticker.
Bose said he “chose not to retaliate”.
However, contrary to the couple’s claims, the CCTV footage showed Bose assaulting the man, identified as Vikas Kumar. Locals were seen attempting to separate Bose from Kumar, even as the officer continued to hit him.
The trained officer was seen holding Kumar in a chokehold, pushing him to the ground, and repeatedly kicking him.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
