New Delhi: A resurfaced video of a police officer from Madhya Pradesh removing his uniform in front of superiors and municipal officials, allegedly after being threatened by a BJP leader, has ignited political tensions across the state. The incident, which took place on February 2, at the Kotwali police station in Singrauli district, has once again drawn attention after the video went viral on social media.Tensions over drain constructionThe dispute initially began over the construction of a drain in the Kotwali area, leading to a confrontation between Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Vinod Mishra and local residents. To resolve the issue, municipal corporation officials and police officers were called to the scene, and a meeting was subsequently held at the police station.BJP leader allegedly threatens officerDuring the meeting, Arjun Gupta, a local BJP leader and the husband of a municipal councilor, allegedly threatened ASI Mishra, claiming he could have his uniform removed. Reacting to the provocation, Mishra, in a state of agitation, dramatically took off his uniform shirt in front of his superiors, including the town inspector and other officials. The incident, captured on CCTV, shows bystanders attempting to calm Mishra down.In Madhya Pradesh BJP people are out of control now .A BJP leader threatened to a police ASI that I will make you take off your uniform , in response the ASI lost his temper and tore his uniform . pic.twitter.com/LWFvpCQZku— A.A.Ahmed (@AAAhmed74251098) September 16, 2024Disciplinary action and investigationFollowing the incident, disciplinary action was swiftly taken against ASI Mishra for his conduct. In response to the video going viral months later, Superintendent of Police Nivedita Gupta clarified that an investigation had already been conducted and Mishra was reprimanded. She added that Mishra had been dealing with personal health issues and a land-related dispute with the councilor.SP Gupta has also launched an inquiry into how the CCTV footage, recorded seven months ago, was leaked and circulated online. Political repercussionsThe viral video has sparked a political outcry, with the opposition Congress party accusing the ruling BJP of abusing its power. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Madhya Pradesh Congress criticized the incident, stating, This is the misuse of power! A BJP councilors husband threatened a uniformed police officer, forcing him to remove his uniform. Law and order in the state are at their lowest, and the police are either helpless or under political pressure.
