A police head constable has been suspended following the widespread circulation of a video showing him verbally abusing employees and damaging property at a fast-food eatery in Erode. The incident occurred as staff attempted to close the establishment for the night. Employees reportedly informed the constable that the shop was permitted to operate until 11 p.m. and suggested he address any concerns with the owner, emphasizing their role as mere employees. The constable's actions have drawn significant attention, leading to his immediate suspension pending an investigation.
Background of the Incident
On February 09, 2026, a head constable assigned to the Kanjikovil police station in the Perundurai sub-division engaged in a confrontation at a local fast-food outlet. Available footage indicates the constable was using abusive language towards staff members and damaging parts of the establishment. The employees stated that they were operating within their permitted hours and directed him to speak with their employer. This interaction was captured on CCTV and subsequently shared widely online, prompting an official response.
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Evidence of Misconduct
The primary evidence consists of a viral CCTV video depicting the head constable's behavior.
The video shows the constable engaging in what appears to be a heated exchange with the eatery staff.
Allegations of property damage are noted, though the specific extent is subject to ongoing review.
The audio component of the video reportedly contains abusive language directed at the workers.
Staff members' statements suggest they were attempting to close the shop according to operational guidelines.
Analysis of Similar Incidents
Examination of recent events reveals a pattern of police personnel facing disciplinary action due to misconduct captured on camera and shared on social media. These instances highlight concerns regarding public interaction and adherence to departmental codes of conduct.
Public Order and Respect
Several incidents suggest a breakdown in the expected professional demeanor of some officers.
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In December 2025, a police constable in Uttar Pradesh was suspended after a video showed him threatening a shopkeeper with a gun and demanding a gold chain.
Also in December 2025, a Delhi Traffic Police head constable was suspended after a video showed him assaulting a cab driver in Paharganj, reportedly following an argument over a traffic violation. This event was documented across multiple reports, indicating a notable public concern.
In April 2025, a head constable in Nagpur was suspended after video footage emerged of him assaulting a civilian who advised him to wear a helmet while riding a two-wheeler.
An older case from July 2019 involved a head constable in Tamil Nadu who attacked a laborer for not showing what he perceived as sufficient respect.
Abuse of Authority and Disciplinary Response
The consistent outcome in these cases is the suspension of the involved officers and the initiation of inquiries.
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Suspension appears to be a standard immediate response, pending departmental investigations.
Public outrage and the viral nature of the footage often accelerate official action.
Reports indicate that such incidents can prompt broader departmental directives, such as mandatory training, as seen in the Nagpur case.
One instance in Madhya Pradesh (date not specified in provided text but linked to recent events) saw a head constable suspended for abusing a station in-charge while allegedly intoxicated, following a dispute at a liquor shop.
Expert Commentary and Departmental Response
Officials consistently emphasize the need for officers to uphold public trust and maintain professional conduct. The immediate suspension of the Erode head constable reflects a departmental commitment to addressing such allegations swiftly.
Senior police officers, in various reported cases, have cited the need for departmental action to maintain the force's image and adhere to policies of zero tolerance for misconduct.
The swift suspension suggests that the visual evidence in the Erode case was deemed sufficient to warrant immediate administrative action.
The employees' defense of their operating hours and their request for the constable to speak with management points to a situation where the officer's behavior was perceived as disproportionate to the circumstances.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The suspension of the head constable in Erode represents a direct response to observable misconduct captured on video. The evidence, primarily the viral footage, indicates a breach of professional conduct, involving abusive language and property damage.
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An official inquiry will now proceed to ascertain the full details of the incident.
The findings of this inquiry will determine the extent of further disciplinary action.
The situation underscores the critical role of surveillance technology and social media in holding law enforcement accountable for their public interactions.
This event, viewed alongside similar incidents, suggests a persistent challenge in ensuring consistent professional conduct among some members of the police force.
Sources
The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/police-head-constable-suspended-over-viral-video-of-him-abusing-workers-at-erode-eatery/article70610397.ece - Published Feb 09, 2026, reporting on the Erode incident.
India Today: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/police-constable-suspended-sitapur-uttar-pradesh-abusing-shopkeeper-viral-video-2831813-2025-12-06 - Published Dec 6, 2025, detailing a UP police constable's suspension.
ABP Live: https://news.abplive.com/cities/delhi/caught-on-camera-delhi-traffic-cop-beats-cab-driver-video-goes-viral-1817169 - Published Dec 16, 2025, reporting on a Delhi traffic cop's suspension.
The Live Nagpur: https://thelivenagpur.com/2025/04/12/head-constable-suspended-after-viral-video-shows-assault-on-civilian-over-helmet-advice-dcp-orders-training-at-all-police-stations/ - Published Apr 12, 2025, on a Nagpur incident.
The Hans India: https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/delhi-traffic-constable-suspended-after-viral-video-shows-assault-on-taxi-driver-in-paharganj-1031611 - Published Dec 17, 2025, also covering the Delhi traffic police incident.
DT Next: https://www.dtnext.in/news/citizen/reporters-diary-head-constable-attacks-labourer-for-not-respecting-police-gets-suspended - Published Jul 10, 2019, detailing an older case of assault.
The Daily Jagran: https://www.thedailyjagran.com/delhi/delhi-traffic-police-head-constable-suspended-after-viral-video-shows-him-punch-and-slap-taxi-driver-10286678 - Published Dec 17, 2025, another report on the Delhi traffic police incident.
AOL / Bhaskar English: https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/local/mp/news/head-constable-abuses-ti-after-argument-with-liquor-shop-owner-sp-suspends-him-immediately-136669409.html - Published date not specified in input but linked to recent events, concerning an incident in Madhya Pradesh.
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