The Delhi Police find themselves while battling online misinformation following a disturbing incident captured on video, where an officer was seen kicking a small group of men while they were offering namaz (Islamic prayer) in Delhi. The incident, which occurred in the Inderlok area, has sparked outrage and led to heated debates on social media platforms.
In response to a flood of misinformation, the police have taken steps to debunk false claims circulating online. One such claim suggested that the officer, identified as Sub-inspector Manoj Kumar Tomar, was attacked by a mob on Saturday. However, the police clarified that Tomar was not present in the video being circulated and that the clashes depicted occurred after he had been taken to a police post
This is wrong information. The mentioned SI is not present in this video.
The video is not of yesterday (Saturday) but of Friday, 8th March, when protestors had gathered in Inderlok. Locals escorted police officers to the police post after which scuffle took place.@CPDelhi https://t.co/pEHesmoySW
— DCP North Delhi (@DcpNorthDelhi) March 10, 2024
“The mentioned SI is not present in this video. The video is not of yesterday (Saturday) but of Friday, 8th March, when protestors had gathered in Inderlok. Locals escorted police officers to the police post after which scuffle took place,” stated a senior official from the North Delhi Police Department.
Despite efforts to provide clarity, some users remain unconvinced by the police’s explanation. One user highlighted audio from the video, where voices could be heard allegedly inciting violence with phrases like “yahi hai…maaro” (this is it…hit them).
The incident that sparked the controversy occurred on Friday when Sub-inspector Tomar was captured on a 34-second video confronting a group of men praying near a mosque in the Inderlok area. In a display of sudden aggression, Tomar was seen kicking two of the men from behind and violently shoving others who were engaged in prayer.
In the aftermath of the incident, protests erupted as outraged locals demanded action against the offending officer. Road blockades ensued, prompting heightened security measures in the area and a flag march conducted by police forces. Authorities urged residents to refrain from spreading rumors and to rely on verified information.
Subsequently, Sub-inspector Manoj Kumar Tomar has been suspended pending disciplinary action. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against him, according to police sources cited by NDTV. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age and highlights the importance of fact-checking and responsible sharing of information on social media platforms.
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