Incidents of excesses by police officers in Tamil Nadu have been well-documented in recent years. The latest one to emerge is of a police constable who is seen thrashing a two-wheeler parked on the road near Chennai’s Marina beach. The two-wheeler, reportedly belonging to a college student, was beaten by the constable, who was reportedly clearing the way for a VIP convoy. The police department is pursuing disciplinary action against the officer.
The incident, which reportedly took place on Wednesday, was filmed by a passer-by. A patrol vehicle is seen parked opposite the War Memorial on Beach Road with its door ajar. The police constable, now identified as Mohan of the Home Guard, is seen ruthlessly hitting on a scooter parked behind a traffic police barricade using a stick.
While the constable repeatedly thrashes the two-wheeler, the screen of vehicle’s dashboard breaks. The cop then moves to the front of the vehicle and continues smashing the scooter, this time, targetting the headlights.
Even after the owner arrives and mounts the two-wheeler, the cop continues to nonchalantly thrash the front side. The other police official present in the patrol vehicle, identified as Sub Inspector Hari Babu of the Fort Station, steps out by then, only to shoo away the biker. However, even as the man starts his vehicle to ride away without any protest, the unfinished cop gives one last smack on the front side of the two-wheeler.
According to a report in The New Indian Express, the patrol vehicle was reportedly on duty to clear vehicles on the road ahead of a VIP convoy passing through the route.
Deputy Commissioner of Police P Aravindan of the Flower Bazaar range was quoted as saying, “The personnel were apparently frustrated. We have sent a report to higher officers and the suspension order will be issued on Monday.”