The now-viral video shows the Chevella Traffic Police SI grabbing the collar of the allegedly intoxicated victims, and slapping them before kicking one of them.
Published Jul 26, 2024 | 12:11 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 26, 2024 | 12:11 PM
The traffic officials were seen grabbing the citizens collars and kicking, slapping them. (Screengrab)
The Telangana police are making headlines yet again for the wrong reasons. Traffic police were caught on tape assaulting citizens in the Chevella town of Ranga Reddy district even as they tried to reason with the officials.
The now-viral video shows the Chevella Traffic Police Station Inspector Venkatesh grabbing the collar of the allegedly intoxicated victims, and slapping them before kicking one of them. The incident occurred on 15 July, near Shankarapally junction between Chevella and Midimiyal.
The video further shows that the constable continued hitting the individuals, even as they tried to reason with them. As the argument escalated, the officials got ruder despite the victims’ attempts to explain the situation. The entire incident occurred in full public view on the road.
This video comes days after a similar case of assault, that was reported near Gandi Maisamma in Quthbullapur on 18 July. Following widespread outrage, the police transferred the assailant officer.
In the previous case, the traffic official was seen slapping a lorry driver for stopping in the “no-parking” zone.
Similar criticism is building towards the Chevella incident, with many citizens calling for action against the officers.
BRS Siddipet MLA and former Telangana Health Minister, T Harish Rao also posted the video online calling for strict action. “This behaviour is unacceptable and a gross misuse of power,” he posted, calling it a disturbing case of brutal assault.
Another Disturbed incident in Chevella where traffic police were caught on camera brutally assaulting two men. This behavior is unacceptable and a gross misuse of power. I urge @TelanganaDGP to take swift and strict action against those involved. We must ensure justice and… pic.twitter.com/v1DAPM50fA
— Harish Rao Thanneeru (@BRSHarish) July 25, 2024
“We must ensure justice and restore public trust. Friendly policing should not turn into brutal policing in our state,” he opined, calling on the Telangana DGP to take cognizance.
Meanwhile, other citizens criticised the police department for their behaviour and demanded strict action against the officers.
“Dear @TelanganaDGP, when you will (sic.) train your department to speak politely?” an X user asked. Other users also raised concerns about the brutality.
Dear @TelanganaDGP when you will train your department to speak politely?
— BeverlyHills28 (@BeverlyHills28) July 25, 2024
“Police as a designation is becoming Gunda raj in our country day by day…they need to understand citizens are their customers…no words..just dismiss those individuals immediately (sic.),” another user posted.
Police as a designation is becoming Gunda raj in our country day by day…they need to understand citizens are their customers…no words..just dismiss those individuals immediately
— Shashi (@SPunagasela) July 25, 2024
However, some have also sided with the police as the individuals in the video were intoxicated.
An internal enquiry is underway with the Cyberabad police.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
