FM demands action against Surat cop seen assaulting bank staff in viral video

The accused constable has been placed under suspension: Surat Police Commissioner

nirmala-gujarat-cop The incident came to national attention after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted saying she spoke to the Surat Police Commissioner and that he has assured that action would be initiated against the accused cop [right]

In an incident that has put the Surat Police to shame, a video has gone viral in which a policeman, not in uniform, can be seen hitting a bank employee in Surat. The constable has now been placed under suspension. The incident took place on Monday evening at a branch of Canara Bank in Surat.

The incident came to national attention after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted on Wednesday saying she spoke to the Surat Police Commissioner and that he has assured that action would be initiated against the guilty. "Will be closely following this matter. Wish to assure that the safety of all members of staff in banks is of importance for us. Amid challenges, banks are extending all services to our people. Nothing should threaten their safety and dignity," the finance minister tweeted. 

Meanwhile, Surat Police Commissioner R.B. Brahmbhatt told THE WEEK that constable Ghanshyambhai Dhulabhai has been placed under suspension. Brahmbhatt had taken to Twitter and shared the copy of the FIR filed against constable Ghanshyambhai Dhulabhai, a resident of Limbayat in Surat. The police complaint was filed by Harshad Tiwari, branch manager of Saroli branch of Canara Bank (The Syndicate Bank) where the incident took place.

In his complaint, Tiwari has mentioned that due to COVID-19 only three persons, including him, a peon and a female employee were in the branch. He said that an unknown person came in asking for an entry to be done in the passbook. When the female employee refused to do it saying the bank time was over, the person allegedly started to verbally abuse the staff, following which, the female staff started shooting the incident.

Agitated by this, he opened the door of the area that is restricted for visitors, went inside and hit the female staffer. 

Several bank unions had also written to the finance minister demanding action against the accused.