Cop's assault on woman: Inconsistency in her statement, says HC

New Delhi, May 13
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said that there was an "inconsistency" in the statement given by a woman attacked by a traffic cop to different news channels.

The high court advised that citizens should not "keep improving" their statement and becoming a "star on TV".

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw said that sometimes citizens are "not aware of their duties" and police goes beyond their "limit".

The bench which took suo moto cognizance of the way a Delhi traffic policeman, since sacked, attacked a woman when she refused to pay a Rs.200 bribe, said it would not limit this case to that particular incident but hear it on larger aspect.

"We heard there is inconsistency in statement given by the lady to TV news channels. Citizens should be aware that they should not keep improving their statement and become star on TV," said the bench.

During the hearing the court expressed concern about the increasing road rage incidents in the capital, and faulted both the police and citizens for "not knowing their duties."

It said: "We are very concerned about this particular incident but we are concerned about general incidents. Why public has got so much anger..."

"Road rage (in Delhi) is increasing; citizens don't know their duties. It's a matter which requires consideration not in Delhi but all cities," said the bench.

It said it will now appoint an amicus curiae to examine why cases of road rage are increasing. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain appearing for police submitted a status report saying a criminal case has been registered against the traffic policeman and he was sent to judicial custody on Tuesday.

The ASG said that the cop has "tarnished the image of police" and "nothing can be more condemnable than attacking a lady", adding that there are lots of road rage cases now a days.

Posting the matter for Aug 5, the court said that this matter will not affect the bail application and other proceedings in the trial court.

The incident occurred on Monday when Ramandeep Kaur was returning home with her three daughters and Head Constable Satish Chandra accused her of jumping a red light.

Kaur said the policeman asked her to pay Rs.200 as bribe. When she refused, it led to an altercation.

Unknown to the policeman, a motorist filmed the ugly drama. As seen in the video, Kaur threw a brick at the motorcycle of the policeman after which he hurled a brick at her. Later, on Monday, Delhi Police sacked the head constable.