UP officer who complained about bad food receives transfer punishment

Firozabad: The police constable who posted a video in this connection highlighting the issue of poor food being supplied to the men in khaki has been sent to Ghazipur district, which is 600 kilometres away from Firozabad, as an apparent punishment.

Manoj Kumar, a 26-year-old policeman, had already been placed on "extended vacation" after videos of him speaking out about his predicament outside the Police Lines while holding a plate of food went viral.

He was captured on video saying that policemen were being served substandard food after 12 hours of duty. "Even a dog won't eat this. How can we work if we do not have anything in our stomachs?" he had stated.

Manoj Kumar, a resident of Aligarh district, said, "There are a total of six members in my family, including two younger brothers and an unmarried sister. My parents are old and undergoing treatment. It will be very difficult for me to take care of them by staying on duty over 600 kilometres away from them. I am the only earning member in my family."

A friend of Kumar, who is also in the police force, said, "It is disheartening to see that an honest man like him is made to suffer for raising a genuine issue. He comes from a humble background and his two brothers still work as daily wagers. In fact, Manoj worked as a child labourer as well to pursue his education."

After the video went viral, the Firozabad Senior Superintendent of Police issued a roster for circle officers to check the quality of food served in the mess. Similar orders were issued in other districts as well.

With inputs from IANS