Trouble over viral reels: Cop removed from field duty

Raipur: A viral dance reel shot in police uniform and a separate video of a High Court advocate drunkenly brandishing weapons in a residential colony have triggered police action in Bilaspur district, with a constable being line-attached and the lawyer arrested.Constable Devanand Kaivartya, posted at Masturi police station, was removed from field duty and attached to the Bilaspur reserve centre after a video of him dancing with his wife on the Sambalpuri song "Hai Rani, Hello Rani" went viral on social media. While the reel caught more attention after the police action and was widely praised by people, senior police officers said such reels recorded in uniform were uncalled for. Bilaspur SSP Rajnesh Singh ordered a probe into the clip and found the act to be in violation of departmental discipline and professional standards.Speaking to TOI, Singh said, "The uniform is a matter of honour and authority, and it comes with responsibility. If you are in uniform, it implies you are on duty. Dancing and making such reels is not appropriate. We are members of a disciplined, uniformed force and must adhere to the highest standards."He added that while motivational or contextually appropriate content in uniform may not attract objection, and "the taste and mood of this reel did not match the discipline expected of the uniform." The SSP also noted that the constable had made other videos earlier but they had not drawn objections. "However, this instance crossed the line and could undermine the seriousness expected during duty," he said. Officials said an internal inquiry confirmed that the act was inconsistent with the dignity of the police force. Singh added that the rising trend of making reels in uniform is a matter of concern and will be dealt with strictly.In a separate case, police arrested 41-year-old high court advocate Anshuman Shrivastava after a video showed him allegedly creating panic by openly displaying weapons in a residential colony. The incident took place in the upscale Ramavally colony in Chakrabhatha on Sunday night. According to police, Shrivastava was sitting outside his house, consuming alcohol, when he began waving a sword, an axe and a pistol, allegedly intimidating passersby. Investigators said the pistol recovered from him was illegal and he did not possess a valid licence. The video, recorded by local residents, quickly circulated on social media, prompting police to act. A police team reached the spot and cordoned off the house and the advocate was apprehended with the weapons in his possession.During the search, police seized a 32.5-inch sword, a black pistol and an axe. A case has been filed against him under the Arms Act.