Lucknow: The Ghaziabad police have ordered an inquiry after a video of a UP police officer threatening slum dwellers, brandishing a certain device, and telling them that it would reveal a person if they are illegal immigrants. The video went viral on social media. The incident took place during a ‘verification drive’ by around half a dozen officers in Ghaziabad’s Kaushambi Bhoapur slum on December 23.
In the video, which has been widely shared online, a senior police officer can be seen placing what looks like a smartphone behind a male resident’s back and telling him that the device shows that the person is from Bangladesh. The officer could be heard telling another man and woman that they must not lie since the police have a device to detect lies.
Another woman and a minor girl swore that they were not migrants and were from Araria in Bihar and showed documents on their mobile phones. Still, the officers were not convinced. There are certain protocols to be followed during such drives. However, the team led by SHO Ajay Sharma of Kaushambi police reached here in violation of all these, it is learnt.
The incident, which the police described as a ‘routine local exercise’, sparked controversy and demands for accountability, leading to an inquiry. DCP Nimish Patil confirmed that the video was recorded during an ‘area domination exercise’ conducted by Kaushambi police station officials along with Rapid Action Force personnel in a slum area of Bihari Market on December 23.