In a move reflecting swift action against indiscipline, Katihar Superintendent of Police (SP) Shikhar Chaudhary has suspended Station House Officer (SHO) Ram Chandra Mandal. The suspension follows a widely circulated video showing Mandal allegedly misbehaving with a brother and sister during an incident at a local restaurant in Katihar. SP Chaudhary has promptly initiated a thorough investigation into the matter.
The order for suspension was officially released on October 28, via a press statement shared by the Katihar police on social media platform X. The incident, which occurred on October 24, quickly gained traction online, prompting public scrutiny and questions about police conduct, especially with the upcoming Assembly elections in the State.
According to the official communiqué from the Bihar police, “A viral CCTV video has come to our attention, depicting the Barsoi police station in-charge engaging in an argument with individuals at the BR-11 restaurant located at Barsoi Ras Chowk on October 24, 2025. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), Katihar, led the investigation into this incident.”
The statement further elaborated: “The investigation revealed that the Barsoi police station in-charge used abusive language with patrons in the restaurant. This behavior constitutes a clear dereliction of duty and arbitrary conduct, significantly damaging the public image of the police force. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Barsoi Station House Officer has been suspended with immediate effect, and further disciplinary actions are being pursued.”
The four-minute CCTV footage, which became a focal point of public discussion, captures a young man and a girl seated together. SHO Mandal enters the restaurant accompanied by a male officer and three lady constables. After a brief observation, he approaches their table, pointing at the girl and demanding to know her identity.
The young man calmly responds, “She is my sister.” However, the SHO, in an elevated tone, asserts, “Why are you putting so much emphasis on ‘sister’ when I am just asking?”
The man clarifies, “I am simply stating that she is my sister, as you asked.”
The SHO escalates the situation, shouting, “Why are you speaking like this, she is sister.”
Confused, the man asks, “Why are you talking like that?” Mandal retorts, “Why are you putting so much pressure on ‘sister’ when I am asking you? I do not like your tone.”
Another man at the table interjects, “What did he say wrong? He just said she is his sister.”
Mandal’s response remains aggressive: “So what if she is his sister? I don’t like his tone, the way he is speaking.”
The young man then states, “I am sitting in a restaurant and not doing anything wrong. You asked for information, and I provided it.”
Mr. Mandal insists on his right to ask anything, at which point the man begins to dial a number on his mobile phone.
The second man adds, “You came here and are yelling at us for no reason.” The SHO defiantly replies, “Yes, I can ask, and I will yell.”
Pointing directly at the first man, Mr. Mandal commands, “Keep your temper low.”
“You are the one who started showing temper first, not me,” the man responds. The accompanying officer attempts to de-escalate the situation, asking him to calm down.
The man expresses his frustration: “He is shouting at me for nothing, and you expect me to keep quiet?”
At this point, the girl begins to record the interaction on her phone.
Mandal immediately instructs her, “Turn off the camera.” Her brother counters, “Why should she turn it off? What’s the problem with the camera?” The SHO demands, “What’s the need for a camera here?” She continues to record.
The second man steps in again, saying, “He spoke normally, you are the one shouting. I will speak to the SP, what’s your name?”
“See my nameplate, Ram Chandra Mandal, what’s your name?” the SHO challenges.
The man identifies himself: “Yash Agarwal.”
“What do you do?” Mandal asks. Mr. Agarwal replies, “It doesn’t matter what I do.”
Mr. Mandal persists, “No, I will not drop it, tell me what you do. I want to know what you do, and I have the duty to ask.”
Mr. Agarwal then accuses the SHO of creating a chaotic scene, which the officer denies.
According to police reports, SHO Mandal claims he was conducting a routine election check, having received intelligence about the presence of “anti-social elements” in the restaurant. This incident has ignited a broader conversation about police professionalism and accountability.