UP cop suspended for giving clean chit to accused terming AK-47, grenades 'toys' in viral video case

A police officer was suspended while a circle officer was removed from his post for giving a clean chit in a case involving a viral video showing alleged display of an AK-47 rifle and hand grenades, officials said on Monday.

Earlier investigation had termed the weapons seen in the video as toys.

Superintendent of Police Abhishek Jha said the action was taken after fresh findings contradicted the earlier investigation.

According to police, the video had surfaced in November last year from Sofatpur village of Bijnor district.

In the footage, a man identified as Aqib, from Meerut district and currently based in Dubai, was purportedly seen displaying an AK-47 rifle and hand grenades.

Following the video’s circulation, Sub-Inspector Vinod Kumar of Nangal police station registered a case. However, the then station house officer and investigating officer, Satyendra Singh, recorded Aqib’s statement and filed a final report concluding that the weapons shown in the video were toys, effectively giving him a clean chit.

Police said recent developments have revealed some suspicious links of Aqib.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is now probing the matter further.

SP Jha said Satyendra Singh has been suspended and Circle Officer Nitesh Pratap Singh has also been removed from his post in connection with the case.

(With PTI inputs)