A police constable named Ranu Kumar has been suspended following allegations of misconduct towards a local journalist in Varanasi. The incident prompted a strong protest from journalists at the Lalpur Pandeypur police station late Wednesday night, highlighting concerns over police behavior towards the press.
Police said that the constable, posted at Rohania police station, was acquainted with the journalist with whom he misbehaved. He allegedly left his jurisdiction of Rohania police station without permission from a competent officer, reached Pandeypur outpost and indulged in unlawful activities. Officials found his conduct as gross negligence, indiscipline and unauthorized presence in another police station area. In protest, local journalists staged a four-hour demonstration outside the police station. Congress city president Raghvendra Choubey reached the spot, while UP Congress chief Ajay Rai also criticized police action online.
Earlier on Wednesday, the journalist and his companions alleged that Kumar, reportedly drunk, abused him, snatched key of his vehicle and mobile phone.