Cops suspended for dancing during Independence Day celebrations

These four policemen dancing in joy during the program organized on August 15 , to celebrate Independence Day in the police station premises,  would have never imagined that the way their enthusiasm and talent was being praised, the atmosphere would turn completely opposite in just after a few hours. Their video of dancing to the tune of the famous Hindi film song ‘Khaike Paan Banaras Wala…’ went viral on social media, which was not liked by the top police officers. Therefore, considering it indiscipline, all the four police personnel were suspended for three months.

The incident happened in Tehsil police station in Nagpur city of Maharashtra. The suspended police officers include Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Sanjay Patankar, Head Constable Abdul Qayyum Ghani, besides two women police personnel Bhagyashree Giri and Constable Nirmala Gawli. Their dance performance on August 15 at the police station premises was recorded and circulated on social media, sparking a debate on the propriety of such an act by uniformed officers. While some defended the officers’ right to enjoy the occasion, others criticised such an act, citing the need for decorum and discipline in the police force.

The video caught the attention of senior officials and Police Commissioner Ravindra Kumar Singhal took serious action. On Tuesday, he asked Circle 3 Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Madane,  to take action against them, following which suspension orders were issued for the four policemen.

The suspension order highlighted the need for police officers to maintain a dignified and disciplined image, especially when they are in uniform. It also said that despite previous warnings on similar matters, the actions of these officers have damaged the reputation of the police force. As a result, they have been suspended for three months.

All four have been removed from their current duty and have to report daily in the morning and evening before the inspector in the police lines. Their ID cards and ranks have been taken away. They cannot even wear uniforms for three months. During this span of time, they will get half salary and dearness allowance in the same proportion. All other allowances to them will be stopped during this period.

Criticism of the action:
Some people are considering the action against the policemen as wrong or a harsh punishment because such action has probably not been seen or heard before in any such case. Secondly, there is no vulgarity or lewdness seen in it. Anyway, the talent of art, dance etc. of the personnel of the police, army and many other uniformed forces is displayed on public forums, programs, TV shows, the recording of which is also available on social media. In fact, personnel of various forces officially participate in many such programs.

Videos of traffic policemen controlling traffic on roads and intersections with dance-like gestures have gone viral earlier but no one objected to it .