Bengaluru: A woman police sub-inspector (PSI) on traffic duty was allegedly assaulted and subjected to derogatory body-shaming remarks by a group of men near Bhattarahalli Junction, Bengaluru leading to an FIR against four persons.
The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the K R Puram Traffic police station when the accused were reportedly involved in an argument with traffic constable Manjunath while he was regulating traffic.
PSI intervenes in traffic dispute
According to reports, the altercation began when the four men — Harshith Reddy, Hemanth Reddy, Rahul and Radhakrishna Reddy — allegedly confronted the traffic constable while he was performing his duties.
After noticing the argument, traffic PSI Nayana reportedly approached the group and intervened in an attempt to defuse the situation and restore order at the junction.
However, the situation allegedly escalated after she reached the spot. The men are accused of assaulting the PSI and making derogatory comments about her appearance and weight.
The alleged body-shaming remarks have added another dimension to the incident, with concerns being raised over the treatment of women police personnel while they are carrying out their official responsibilities.
Incident captured on body camera
The alleged confrontation was reportedly recorded by a body-worn camera being used by a police personnel who was on duty at the time.
The footage is expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators. Police are also looking into the circumstances that led to the confrontation and the events that followed the PSI’s intervention.
Body-worn cameras can provide an important record of incidents involving police personnel and members of the public, particularly in situations where accounts of an altercation differ.
In this case, the footage reportedly helped investigators assess the allegations made in connection with the incident.
FIR registered against four accused
Following the incident, K R Puram police registered an FIR against the four accused — Harshith Reddy, Hemanth Reddy, Rahul and Radhakrishna Reddy.
Police have initiated an investigation and are examining the available evidence, including the reported video recording.
The investigation will establish the sequence of events and determine the specific role played by each of the accused in the alleged assault and verbal abuse.
Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation and the evidence collected by the police.
Concerns over safety of police personnel
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and dignity of police personnel, particularly those assigned to traffic regulation duties on busy city roads.
Traffic personnel frequently work in crowded and stressful conditions while dealing with motorists, pedestrians and other road users. Disputes over traffic violations, diversions and road congestion can sometimes escalate into confrontations.
The alleged assault of a woman PSI while she was attempting to control such a dispute has therefore drawn attention to the challenges faced by personnel performing frontline duties.
The allegations of body-shaming have also highlighted concerns about maintaining professional and respectful conduct during interactions with women officers.
Police personnel are expected to handle public disputes according to established procedures, while members of the public are also required to cooperate with officers performing their lawful duties.
Investigation underway
With the FIR now registered, investigators are expected to examine the body-camera footage and other available evidence to establish what happened at Bhattarahalli Junction.
Statements from the police personnel involved and others who may have witnessed the incident could also assist the investigation.
The case once again underlines the importance of ensuring a safe working environment for traffic police, who operate in public spaces and are often exposed to confrontations while managing traffic.
As the investigation progresses, police will determine the legal action warranted against those accused based on the evidence collected.