Jaipur: Even as Rajasthan police attempt to strengthen their public image through social media outreach, a string of recent excesses continue to cast a long shadow over the force. The latest episode comes from Kota, where a Station House Officer (SHO) was caught on camera slapping a shopkeeper, who immediately collapsed, prompting a frantic response from nearby policemen.Though the incident took place a month ago, during a Maharana Pratap Jayanti rally on May 29, the video surfaced recently. The victim, identified as Rizwan, later filed a complaint against the SHO Kaithunipol Pushpendra Bansiwal. DSP Rajesh Tailor has been assigned to investigate the matter.Tailor told TOI that Rizwan was repeatedly asked to clear items he placed on the road, as a procession was scheduled to pass through. “Instead, he asked the police to change the route. While I am not justifying the SHO’s conduct, we are investigating the incident fairly,” he said.This incident comes close on the heels of another controversy in Jodhpur, where a constable was caught on video assaulting a café staffer and using abusive language. The constable, Kishan Singh, part of the former DST team, was suspended by the DCP (East). Singh, dressed in plain clothes, visited ‘Tau Ki Tapri’ near the police lines in Ratanada. An argument over a bill escalated into violence, with Singh slapping the cashier and knocking his spectacles off.Experts say Rajasthan police frequently face allegations of excessive force during interactions with civilians. Videos often go viral, prompting suspensions or transfers, but criminal proceedings against erring officers are rare. Talking to TOI, advocate AK Jain said police officers have no legal authority to use physical force on citizens unless there is active resistance during a lawful detention. “Even those in custody cannot be assaulted. Victims of police misconduct must explore legal remedies and seek compensation,” Jain said.
