Dhamtari SP orders probe into viral midnight checkpoint row; 3-DSP panel formed

Raipur: The controversy surrounding a viral video showing a heated late-night confrontation between a motorcycle rider and police personnel in Dhamtari district has escalated, with SP Suraj Singh Parihar ordering a departmental inquiry and constituting a three-member DSP-level committee to investigate the incident.The inquiry comes days after a video surfaced on social media showing an argument between a man travelling with his family on bike and police personnel from Arjuni police station during a vehicle-checking drive near the Mujgahan-Potiadih bypass in the early hours of June 5.The rider had alleged that he was slapped and harassed by police officers after he began recording the interaction on his mobile phone while returning home with his wife and child after watching a late-night movie. Police have initially denied the allegation, maintaining that the man was uncooperative, failed to produce identity and vehicle documents, and repeatedly attempted to provoke officers during routine verification.He rather showed two identities of his, named S Suresh and S Venkatesh, while one of the number plates was damaged and the rear one different from what his RC showed.Cops said they wonder if they couldn’t intercept a suspicious looking person and question them.As the video gained traction online, the district police administration on Monday announced a formal probe.Speaking to TOI, SP Suraj Singh Parihar said based on the seriousness of the matter, I have formed the three-member fact-finding committee which will be headed by DSP Monica Maravi and include DSP Bhanu Pratap Chandrakar and DSP Yashkaran Dhruv. The panel has been tasked with recording statements of all concerned parties, examining available video footage and submitting a fact-finding report. Based on the findings within two days, we will take action in the matter, he said.The incident took place around 1 am, where police had set up a fixed night patrol and verification point. According to police, the motorcycle was stopped because its front number plate was damaged.The rider claimed he was subjected to rude behaviour, threatened with detention and assaulted by the station house officer after he started recording the interaction.Police, however, have maintained that the rider failed to furnish identity documents and vehicle papers, argued with personnel and repeatedly attempted to disrupt the verification process.Officials had earlier stated that subsequent verification revealed the rider was staying in rented accommodation and that tenant details had allegedly not been furnished to the local police station. Police also claimed the motorcycle was registered in another person’s name.The release of an alleged video has further fuelled the controversy, with both sides accusing each other of misrepresenting the incident.The findings of the three-member inquiry panel are now expected to determine whether any misconduct occurred during the late-night checking drive and whether disciplinary action is warranted against any individual involved.No criminal case has been registered in connection with the incident so far.