MP High Court Orders STF Probe After Viral Video Shows Former Mayor Tearing Policeman’s Uniform

Jabalpur: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a strict stance on the case involving the alleged assault of a police officer and tearing of his uniform by former Jabalpur Mayor Prabhat Sahu and his supporters. The court has ordered that the investigation be handed over to the Special Task Force (STF) instead of the local police.

High Court Expresses Anger Over Lack of Fair Probe

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf expressed concern over the absence of an impartial investigation. The court was hearing a petition challenging the police’s failure to register a named FIR against the former mayor and his supporters due to alleged political pressure. The STF has been directed to submit its report in a sealed envelope at the next hearing scheduled for 17 February.

Incident Caught on Video

The case came to light after Jabalpur-based advocate Mohit Verma filed a public interest litigation. According to the petition, during a vehicle check at the Lardganj police station area, a police officer stopped former Mayor Prabhat Sahu for not wearing a helmet. The officer was allegedly abused by the former mayor, and his uniform was torn by Sahu’s supporters. Despite a viral video clearly showing the accused, the police registered an FIR against unknown persons and suspended the officer, allegedly under political influence.

Police Station In-Charge Summoned

In the initial hearing, the division bench had summoned the Lardganj police station in-charge to personally appear with both FIRs and the case diary. The court remarked, “If police personnel are not safe, how can they provide security to the public?” Notices were also issued to the former mayor and the Jabalpur Police Commissioner to respond.

STF Takes Over Investigation

During the hearing on Tuesday, Station In-Charge Naval Ary appeared with the FIRs and case diary. Upon reviewing the medical reports and case files, the bench found that neither case had been investigated properly or impartially. Consequently, the court entrusted the investigation to the STF Jabalpur.