Kolkata: Kolkata Police has started investigation against an officer after a video — reportedly uploaded on Sunday by one Souparno Adhikary — went viral, showing the accused slapping a bike-taxi rider during an argument over digital documentation on Monday. The incident, which took place in an undisclosed location in Kolkata, has sparked public outrage after footage circulated on Facebook showed a confrontation between an assistant sub-inspector and a bike-taxi driver over the acceptance of digital vehicle documents.
"Prima facie, the accused is an ASI from the Bansdroni PS and not a designated sergeant (sergeants are of ASI rank). He is posted at an added area police station. He is not linked with the traffic unit. We are investigating the FB post and its content," said DC (traffic) Yeilwad Shrikant Jagannathrao.
The controversy began when the officer stopped the driver, who was carrying a passenger, as the pillion rider wasn't wearing a helmet. When asked to produce documentation, the driver offered to show his licence stored in DigiLocker, a govt-authorised digital document wallet. According to witnesses, the situation escalated when the officer insisted on physical documentation, refusing to accept the digital version. The video captures a heated exchange where the officer can be heard threatening to slap the driver before allegedly carrying out the threat.
The incident has raised questions about the acceptance of digital documentation by law enforcement, as DigiLocker is officially recognised by the ministry of road transport and highways as a valid platform for storing and presenting vehicle documents.
In his defence, the ASI has initially reportedly claimed that it is not clear in the footage that he had slapped anyone. He claimed he had approached the violator and had not slapped him. Lalbazar is awaiting a detailed written reply from the ASI.
Social media users have condemned the officer's actions, with many pointing out that digital documents are legally valid and calling for disciplinary action against the officer. The driver has not been identified, and neither party has issued an official statement.