Social media backlash after cops’ ‘don’t take law in your hands’ msg
Times of India | 22 May 2025
Kolkata: A viral video showing a woman social activist fiercely confronting police personnel over alleged extortion on the Belgharia Expressway has triggered a wave of public anger and backlash against the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate's response on social media.
The video, which surfaced on Tuesday, captures the activist Priyanka Mitra, alias Pinku, a Baguiati resident, who was then travelling along the Belgharia Expressway from the airport to Dakshineswar in her private car along with an office colleague on Monday afternoon. She confronted an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and a civic volunteer — both attached to Baranagar PS — for allegedly extorting money from goods trucks.
The activist's protest turned dramatic as the civic volunteer broke down in tears and was seen touching her feet in apology, while the ASI pleaded with folded hands. The footage spread rapidly across social media, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
Following the incident, the Barrackpore Commissionerate relieved both the ASI and the civic volunteer from duty on Tuesday. A departmental inquiry was launched to investigate the alleged misconduct.
However, the police's attempt to contain the damage appeared to backfire. On Wednesday, the commissionerate issued a social media post urging the public to report "unethical or unpleasant incidents" via a dedicated helpline — 9874447929 — but cautioned citizens against taking the law into their own hands. The post, which also described the activist's protest as "threatening and intimidating," drew a flood of angry reactions from netizens.
"The post was intended to promote awareness and responsible conduct," said a senior officer of the Barrackpore Police. "We are taking the matter seriously and monitoring the situation closely," the official added.
But instead of pacifying the public, the post intensified criticism. Social media users flooded the comment section with bitter remarks and personal accounts of alleged police misconduct in various parts of Barrackpore, including Lalkuthi Bridge, Talpukur near Titagarh petrol pump, and Wireless More.
Kolkata: A viral video showing a woman social activist fiercely confronting police personnel over alleged extortion on the Belgharia Expressway has triggered a wave of public anger and backlash against the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate's response on social media.
The video, which surfaced on Tuesday, captures the activist Priyanka Mitra, alias Pinku, a Baguiati resident, who was then travelling along the Belgharia Expressway from the airport to Dakshineswar in her private car along with an office colleague on Monday afternoon. She confronted an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and a civic volunteer — both attached to Baranagar PS — for allegedly extorting money from goods trucks.
The activist's protest turned dramatic as the civic volunteer broke down in tears and was seen touching her feet in apology, while the ASI pleaded with folded hands. The footage spread rapidly across social media, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
Following the incident, the Barrackpore Commissionerate relieved both the ASI and the civic volunteer from duty on Tuesday. A departmental inquiry was launched to investigate the alleged misconduct.
However, the police's attempt to contain the damage appeared to backfire. On Wednesday, the commissionerate issued a social media post urging the public to report "unethical or unpleasant incidents" via a dedicated helpline — 9874447929 — but cautioned citizens against taking the law into their own hands. The post, which also described the activist's protest as "threatening and intimidating," drew a flood of angry reactions from netizens.
"The post was intended to promote awareness and responsible conduct," said a senior officer of the Barrackpore Police. "We are taking the matter seriously and monitoring the situation closely," the official added.
But instead of pacifying the public, the post intensified criticism. Social media users flooded the comment section with bitter remarks and personal accounts of alleged police misconduct in various parts of Barrackpore, including Lalkuthi Bridge, Talpukur near Titagarh petrol pump, and Wireless More.