Lucknow: In a serious breach of discipline, a sub-inspector posted in Barabanki allegedly attempted to run over on-duty police personnel with his car during New Year celebrations in Lucknow and later threatened senior officers, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), with dire consequences.
The incident occurred around 12:30 am on New Year’s Eve at Ganj Chauraha in the Hazratganj area, where traffic restrictions and diversions had been put in place due to celebrations. The accused, identified as Sub-Inspector Saumya Jaiswal, currently posted at Barabanki Kotwali, was driving a car while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
According to police officials, Sub-Inspector Ashutosh Tripathi, who was deployed at the intersection, attempted to stop Jaiswal when he tried to take his vehicle onto a diverted route via Parivartan Chowk. Instead of complying, the driver allegedly accelerated the car and attempted to run over the on-duty officer. When asked to stop the vehicle, Jaiswal reportedly abused the officer, pushed him, and tried to flee the spot at high speed.
As the situation escalated, DCP Traffic Kamlesh Dixit reached the spot and instructed the driver to halt the vehicle. However, the accused allegedly ignored the directions and drove the car for nearly 70 metres, endangering the lives of several police personnel present at the crossing. He allegedly made repeated attempts to mow down officers on duty.
The police eventually managed to stop the vehicle by placing a barricade in front of it. After being forced out of the car, the sub-inspector allegedly became aggressive and misbehaved with senior officers. He reportedly hurled abuses and even threatened the DCP and other policemen, warning them that he would “get their uniforms stripped.”
Given his intoxicated condition and unruly behaviour, the accused was immediately taken into custody and sent to Hazratganj police station.
Confirming the incident, Station House Officer Vikram Singh said that Sub-Inspector Saumya Jaiswal had come to Lucknow to celebrate the New Year. “He has been challaned under relevant sections of the Police Act,” the SHO said. “Additionally, the DCP (Central) has formally informed the Superintendent of Police, Barabanki, recommending departmental action against the accused.”
During the search of the vehicle, police recovered liquor bottles, water bottles and glasses. The car was found to have black film pasted on its windows, which is prohibited under traffic rules. Officials also claimed that a police cap had been placed on the dashboard, allegedly to create an impression of authority and intimidation.
The incident has sparked concern within police circles, highlighting issues of indiscipline and misuse of power within the force. Senior officials said strict departmental action is likely to follow after a detailed report is submitted by the Lucknow Police to Barabanki district authorities.
