Govt Suspends SDPO After CCTV Shows Assault on BDO
FIRDOUS AHMAD
JAMMU, Nov 13: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday took stringent action against Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP) Sunil Singh, placing him under suspension with immediate effect for his alleged involvement in a physical altercation with a Block Development Officer (BDO) that was captured on video and sparked public outrage.
The formal suspension order, numbered 541-Home of 2025, was issued by the Union Territory’s Home Department. The order, signed by Principal Secretary Chandraker Bharti (IAS), invokes Rule 31(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956, which allows for the suspension of a government servant pending a disciplinary enquiry.
The suspension follows a rapidly escalating controversy over a CCTV video that went viral on social media earlier this week. The footage, believed to be from a government office in the Gandhi Nagar area of Jammu, purportedly shows Mr. Sunil Singh, who was then serving as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Gandhi Nagar, aggressively confronting and slapping the BDO.
While the exact trigger for the altercation remains part of the official enquiry, preliminary reports suggest a heated argument over an official matter spiraled out of control, leading to the physical assault. The video’s widespread circulation led to intense public criticism and demands for accountability against the police officer for his alleged high-handedness.
The government’s order explicitly states that the suspension is “pending enquiry in the matter,” confirming that a formal investigation into the incident is now underway. The swift action is being seen as a move to demonstrate zero tolerance for misconduct and unprofessional behavior within the civil and police administration, particularly when it involves inter-departmental conflict and violence.
During the period of his suspension, Mr. Sunil Singh (PID No. ARP983409) has been directed to remain attached to the Police Headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir. This is a standard procedure that restricts the suspended officer from performing any active duty or influencing the ongoing investigation while continuing to draw a subsistence allowance.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the conduct of law enforcement officials and the pressures within the local administration. The government’s prompt response is likely aimed at containing the fallout and reinforcing the principle that no public servant is above the code of conduct. The outcome of the formal enquiry will now determine the final disciplinary action, which could range from reinstatement to major penalties, including dismissal from service.
