'Abused, Punched in Chest': Bihar Cop Alleges Physical Assault by SHO, Files Complaint at SP Office

As the Bihar Police faces the challenge of combating crimes amid opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav criticising the state for what he describes as a state of ‘jungle raj,’ it is also grappling with internal strife. Recent reports from Banka reveal that a policeman was accused of verbally abusing and physically assaulting a fellow officer, a situation that has sparked significant discussion and concern.

Inspector Rishi Raj of Rajoun police station filed a complaint at the Banka SP office against Barahat SHO Deepak Paswan. According to Singh, he was on duty in a Dial 112 vehicle on Sunday, August 11. After resolving a dispute at Punsia station, he was returning when he was asked to redirect traffic movement. Following the instructions from the Rajoun police station in-charge, he had redirected large vehicles from Punsia to the Jethornath road to facilitate the movement of Kanwar Yatra pilgrims and manage traffic flow.

During this time, Barahat police station in-charge Deepak Paswan, who was already in a police vehicle, allegedly abused Rishi Raj Singh and questioned the authority under which the route diversion was being carried out. Singh said that he advised Paswan to act with courtesy given his senior rank. In response, Paswan became enraged, began using abusive language, and questioned Singh’s authority before punching him in the chest.

Singh filed a formal written complaint on Tuesday, seeking justice for the incident. Singh said that despite his status as a police officer, the behaviour of Paswan did not change, and he continued to act inappropriately. Singh initially reported the incident to the Rajoun police station in-charge and, then subsequently submitted a formal written complaint urging Banka SP Dr Satya Prakash to take appropriate action.

In response, the SP promptly took action and assigned the investigation to Baunsi SDPO Archana Kumari. The SP confirmed that the application has been received and a thorough investigation into the matter is underway.

This incident is particularly notable as it comes shortly after a separate allegation of assault against SHO Paswan, who had previously been accused of beating a youth under theft charges. The ongoing issues within the Bihar police force have become a focal point in the political debate surrounding law and order in the state.