Hans News Service Bengaluru

Avideo allegedly showing a woman police officer engaging in an inappropriate conversation with a jailed inmate through a WhatsApp video call has gone viral on social media, triggering controversy within the police department. The officer featured in the video has now approached the Cubbon Park police, alleging that the footage was recorded and circulated without her consent.

According to the complaint, the officer had been acquainted with a rowdy-sheeter identified as Dharma several years ago. She allegedly spoke to him through a video call, during which he recorded the conversation. The officer has alleged that Dharma subsequently shared the recording with another rowdy-sheeter, Saikumar, who circulated it on social media.

The officer has sought action against Dharma, Saikumar and others allegedly involved in making the video public. She has claimed that the circulation of the footage has damaged her reputation and caused considerable embarrassment.

In her complaint, the officer stated that she was working as an officer in charge of security at a Metro station. She also referred to her family and social standing while seeking legal action against those responsible for circulating the video. Based on her complaint, Cubbon Park police have registered a non-cognisable report (NCR) and begun examining the allegations.

The episode has raised several questions that investigators may have to address, including how the alleged video was recorded, how a mobile phone was allegedly used inside the prison and whether anyone else was involved in facilitating communication between the inmate and the officer.

Police will also have to establish whether the video has been edited or circulated selectively and determine the circumstances under which it was originally recorded. The case has drawn attention because the video allegedly involves communication between a police officer and a person with a criminal background. However, the allegations made by the officer and the circumstances surrounding the video are yet to be independently established.

The investigation is expected to focus on the origin of the recording, its circulation and the identity of others who may have been involved.

Police are also likely to examine whether any prison security protocols were violated. Officials have not disclosed further details of the inquiry so far