Home Guard, SSI suspended for damaging two-wheeler

While the police claimed that the bike owner was loitering in the area to buy ganja despite several warnings, it has not helped quell questions about why they took the matter into their own hands instead of taking action against the person as per rules.

After the video was widely shared on social media and reached senior officers, the Home Guard and the special sub-inspector involved in the incident were placed under suspension.

The video, which was reportedly captured three days ago, shows a Home Guard repeatedly hitting the bike with a lathi even as a special sub-inspector sitting inside a patrol vehicle parked nearby is watching him. Even as the passers-by look at the incident in shock, the Home Guard official is seen damaging the headlight, indicators and the rear lights with his lathi.

Later, the special sub-inspector steps out of the patrol vehicle after the bike owner reached the spot. The officer is seen shouting at someone before asking the bike owner to vacate the area immediately. But even when he is attempting to start the vehicle without entering into any arguments, the Home Guard continues to hit the bike before finally stopping. The video ends when the Home Guard alerted the SSI about being videographed and SSI turns to look at the person who shot the video.

Meanwhile, a message circulated on WhatsApp claimed that that the rider came to the spot to buy ganja from peddlers. It added that the police personnel had to resort to damaging the vehicle, as he was often seen at the spot despite several warnings. However, Fort police inspector Muniasamy said that he was not aware of the incident.

When contacted, senior officers said that the Home Guard Mohan and the special sub-inspector Hari Babu have been placed under suspension. But they did not comment why the personnel resorted to the controversial act and whether the person had come to buy ganja from peddlers as claimed.