Overview
- Katihar SP Shikhar Chaudhary suspended Barsoi SHO Ram Chandra Mandal on October 28 following an inquiry led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters).
- Investigators said the officer used indecent language and behaved arbitrarily, which the police stated tarnished the force’s image.
- The October 24 CCTV clip from BR-11 Restaurant shows the SHO questioning a man about the woman with him, telling her to turn off her camera and telling the man to watch his tone.
- Police say they were verifying information about “anti-social elements” during election-related checks, and they reported the incident to the SDPO with a case registered.
- Departmental proceedings and a show-cause are in motion as the video draws heavy online criticism and prompts calls for accountability measures such as bodycams.