Daijiworld Media Network - Maharajganj
Maharajganj, Nov 10: A 33-year-old Uttar Pradesh Police head constable allegedly attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance following a dispute with senior officers over firecrackers seized during Diwali, police said.
Head constable Vishal Singh, posted at Nichlaul police station in Maharajganj district, was found unconscious on the police station premises late on Sunday night. He was initially taken to a government hospital and later shifted to a private hospital. His condition is reportedly improving.
Before the incident, Singh had posted a WhatsApp status accusing Station House Officer (SHO) Yogendra Rai and other police personnel of harassing him over the seized firecrackers, according to news agency Press Trust of India (PTI), citing police.
In the note, Singh alleged that around 40 per cent of the seized firecrackers had been taken away. He further claimed that some of the remaining stock was handed over to an accused, identified as Kausman Ali, under pressure from the SHO.
Singh also alleged that he was humiliated after being accused of stealing the firecrackers. He named Rai, constables Manish Singh and Anand Singh, BJP MLA Premsagar Patel, Vishal Yadav, Bholu Yadav and Alok Sharma, accusing them of harassing him.
The head constable further claimed that another policeman, Vishal Sharma, had recorded a video on his mobile phone showing the alleged distribution of the seized firecrackers, PTI reported, citing police.
The allegations have not been independently verified. The responses of those named in the note were not immediately available. No response could be obtained from Patel, the BJP MLA representing the Siswa Assembly constituency.
Nichlaul Circle Officer Ravindra Kumar Singh said the head constable had been under mental distress and that an investigation was underway.
"Further action will be taken after completion of the inquiry," he said.
Police are investigating the allegations of harassment and irregularities in the handling of the seized firecrackers. Singh remains under treatment and is reportedly recovering.