Jammu and Kashmir Administration Suspends Senior Police Officer for Assaulting Administrative Official Following Traffic Incident

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sunil Singh on Friday following allegations of assaulting an administrative officer who was on duty.

The incident involved DSP Singh and Block Development Officer (BDO) Azhar Khan, stemming from a traffic rule violation that occurred earlier in the week.

According to reports, Khan was allegedly verbally abused and physically assaulted by Singh on Monday in the Gandhinagar area. The confrontation happened when Khan's vehicle, which was reportedly being driven on the wrong side of the road, collided with a van, resulting in a traffic jam.

A video circulating online appears to show a police officer slapping the JKAS (Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service) officer. Following widespread public criticism and condemnation from political leaders, the policeman was initially transferred.

Principal Secretary to the government's Home Department, Chandraker Bharti, issued an order stating: "In terms of Rule 31(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956 and pending enquiry in the matter, Sunil Singh, DSP, the then Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, is hereby placed under suspension, with immediate effect."

The suspension order further specified that during this period, Singh will be attached to the police headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir.

Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat had previously ordered Singh's immediate transfer on Monday. According to the official order, Singh was instructed to report to police headquarters in Jammu, while DySP Kuljit Singh was appointed as the new SDPO for Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, effective immediately.

The incident video triggered widespread condemnation, including from the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services Association, which called for action against the police officer.

However, a longer version of the video allegedly shows the JKAS officer driving on the wrong side of the road and hitting a van before the altercation. This extended footage reveals a heated exchange between both officers.

The more complete video has prompted criticism of the JKAS officer as well, with many social media users calling for action against him too.