A video clip purportedly showing a senior police officer slapping a woman detenu while addressing a press conference at a police station went viral on Saturday.
Begumpet Assistant Commissioner of Police S. Ranga Rao is said to be the man slapping a woman offender, Manga, involved in attention diversion cases.
The incident allegedly took place at Bolaram police station when Mr. Rao was interacting with the media and giving details about the case. “The ACP lost his cool and slapped her when she interrupted him and told mediapersons that she and the others arrested in the case were innocent,” a police officer said.
The incident has caught the attention of higher-ups who have ordered an internal enquiry. “Disciplinary action has been initiated against Mr. Rao and he is attached to city Armed Reserve Headquarters with immediate effect,” said B. Sumathi, Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Zone.
Rao refutes allegations
Mr Rao, in his defence, told The Hindu that he did not slap the woman. “I am denying all allegations raised against me and so far, I haven’t received any official letter asking to me to report at AR headquarters,” he said.
Mr Rao said that Manga and other members of an attention diversion gang were nabbed by Bolaram police, who seized 1.5 kg of silver ornaments from them.
“She is involved in at least eight cases in Hyderabad and Cyberabad limits,” he said.
Based on a complaint lodged by owners of a jewellery shop in Pioneer Bazaar, a case was registered and the gang members apprehended on Saturday.
