A sub-inspector with the Chikkamagaluru police in Karnataka ran into trouble on Tuesday, when he pulled out his service revolver to threaten a mob and win an argument.
Milton Lawrence reports for The Times of India that Gaviraj was traveling to the police station in a vehicle with his subordinates, all dressed in plainclothes.
When they reached Mugthithalli, their vehicle collided with another SUV car. After an argument broke out, Gaviraj pulled out his gun, reportedly to threaten the crowd.
However, the angry villagers proceeded to thrash him and reportedly held him captive for nearly an hour. The officer was admitted to a hospital with injuries on his left eye.
The villagers are also said to have prevented a police vehicle from entering the area. As a result, traffic on the route was held up.
Despite Chikkamagaluru superintendent of police K Annamalai speaking to the villagers, they refused to budge. Following this, the SP reportedly used mild force to dispel the crowd.
TOI reports:
“Police arrested seven people, including the SUV driver and former agricultural produce market committee member Nataraj, who were reportedly part of the group that assaulted Gaviraj. They were booked for causing grievous hurt, assaulting a public servant, breach of peace and criminal intimidation (IPC Sections 326, 353, 504 and 506).”
The report states that Gaviraj is likely to file a complaint against his attackers, after he is discharged from the hospital.