Dalit Cop Alleges Shocking Abuse by Former Minister Over Traffic Jam in Jharkhand

A shocking incident has sent ripples through Jharkhand's political and police circles, as a Dalit police officer has come forward with grave allegations against a prominent former Congress minister. The officer claims he was physically assaulted and verbally abused following a traffic snarl, an accusation that has reignited debates over power, privilege, and the treatment of public servants.

The controversy centers around Head Constable Sanjay Kumar, a Dalit officer, who lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against former Congress minister Yogendra Sao.

According to Kumar's complaint, the alleged incident unfolded on Sunday when Sao, reportedly en route to Ranchi for a crucial bail hearing, became infuriated by a traffic jam near the Circuit House in Hazaribag. Kumar, who was on duty attempting to manage the chaotic traffic, claims he was subjected to a barrage of insults and, shockingly, slapped by the former minister.

The severity of the allegations is underscored by the charges filed.

Kumar's FIR includes sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. More significantly, the complaint also invokes sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which points to the caste-based nature of the alleged abuse and adds a serious dimension to the incident.

However, Yogendra Sao has vehemently denied all accusations, painting a starkly different picture of events.

Speaking to the media, Sao dismissed Kumar's claims as a "conspiracy" orchestrated by political rivals. He asserted that the police officer was "inefficient" and was, in fact, exacerbating the traffic congestion rather than resolving it. Sao admitted to "admonishing" the officer for his alleged incompetence but firmly denied any physical assault or verbal abuse.

This incident has quickly escalated into a high-profile case, drawing attention to the challenges faced by law enforcement officials and the persistent issue of alleged abuse of power by public figures.

While investigations are underway, the opposing narratives – a Dalit cop's accusation of caste-based abuse and a former minister's claim of political conspiracy – ensure that this story will continue to unfold with significant public interest and scrutiny.