Watch: Elderly farmer manhandled by cops in Khanapur, ASI suspended

An Assistant Sub-Inspector was suspended in Nirmal district after a viral video showed him dragging an elderly farmer out of a Bhu Bharati bill meeting. The incident sparked outrage, with farmers accusing the officer of suppressing dissent and using force.

Nirmal: An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), who was caught on camera dragging and throwing out an elderly farmer from a public meeting on the Bhu Bharati bill at Patha Yellapur village in Khanapur mandal of Nirmal district, has been suspended after the video of his highhanded behaviour went viral and sparked widespread outrage.

According to eyewitnesses, the farmer, Allepu Venkati, was forcefully evicted by ASI Ramchandar while expressing anguish over his two sons neglecting him after he transferred his property to them. Revenue officials present at the venue reportedly asked police to remove the farmer, accusing him of “creating a nuisance”.

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Fellow farmers at the meeting recorded the incident on their mobile phones, and the video quickly went viral across social media platforms. The visuals drew sharp criticism against the police, particularly for rough-handling the elderly man without considering his age or circumstances. Many netizens and activists demanded strict action against the officer.

Farmers who attended the meeting also alleged that ASI Ramchandar tried to suppress their voices and did not allow them to express concerns before the revenue officials. They demanded accountability for his alleged highhandedness.

In response to public outrage, ASI Ramchandar was suspended. The suspension order was issued by the Basar Range DIG. Khanapur Sub-Inspector Rahul Gaikwad confirmed the disciplinary action.