BHOPAL: A police constable has been accused of assaulting a tea stall worker during a late-night drive to enforce market closing hours in Bhopal’s Jahangirabad area. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, while police have denied the allegation.
The dispute occurred on Monday night when police visited the tea stall to enforce the 11.30 pm market closure deadline. The shop owner alleged that the constable dragged the worker out of the stall and slapped him during an argument.
The owner also accused police of selective enforcement, claiming some businesses were allowed to operate while others were targeted. He said no action had been taken against the constable despite the CCTV footage.
Police said preventive action was taken against the worker and denied allegations of assault.
The station house officer said the action was part of a citywide enforcement drive ordered by the Police Commissioner. He said the stall remained open beyond the permitted time despite repeated instructions to close.
According to police, the worker misbehaved with the constable during the operation. Authorities maintained that market closure rules were being enforced uniformly and described the assault allegations as baseless.
