Video: Gang members search Bihar cops before house raid, 2 officers suspended
Two Patna SHOs were suspended after a raid video showed policemen being frisked by supporters of the Sonu-Monu gang. The action followed criticism of the operation as police stepped up raids to trace the accused brothers.
Two station house officers (SHOs) in Patna were suspended on Sunday after a viral video showed policemen allegedly being frisked by supporters of the notorious Sonu-Monu gang before entering a house during a raid in Nauranga Jalalpur village. Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K Sharma suspended Panchmahla SHO Kundan Kumar and Hathidah SHO Ranjan Kumar on charges of gross negligence and indiscipline following the incident, which has sparked criticism over the conduct of the police operation.
The controversy erupted after a firing incident on Saturday evening in Nauranga Jalalpur village under the Panchmahala police station area. According to police, a criminal linked to the Sonu-Monu gang allegedly opened fire on Mukesh Singh, husband of the local sarpanch and PACS chairman, who is also considered a close supporter of Anant Singh. Mukesh Singh narrowly escaped the attack.
Police said the dispute began over a social media post made by Mukesh Singh after a recent police raid in the area. In the post, he reportedly praised the police action and stated that “rule of law” would prevail and criminals would be eliminated. The remarks allegedly angered Pramod Singh, father of Sonu and Monu and a local lawyer.
According to Barh SDPO-I Ram Krishna, Pramod Singh confronted Mukesh Singh over the post on Saturday evening, leading to a heated argument. During the altercation, Sonu allegedly arrived at the spot with several supporters, after which one of his associates, identified as Saurav, allegedly fired two rounds at Mukesh Singh.
Based on Mukesh Singh’s complaint, police registered an FIR against Sonu, Monu and several others. However, by the time police teams reached the accused’s residence, both brothers had reportedly fled.
During the raid, family members and supporters allegedly stopped police personnel at the entrance and forced them to undergo physical checks before entering the house. Videos of the incident, showing policemen standing in a queue while being frisked, quickly went viral on social media.
Police have intensified raids to trace Sonu and Monu, who have a long-standing rivalry with Anant Singh’s group. Further investigation into the case is underway.