A video showing a female police officer in Siliguri, West Bengal, allegedly attempting to kiss a woman while on patrol has sparked significant outrage on social media. The officer, identified as Taniya Roy, an assistant sub-inspector with the newly launched pink mobile van service aimed at enhancing women’s safety, was reportedly intoxicated during the incident.

The footage, which surfaced online, depicts Roy getting uncomfortably close to a woman and nearly kissing her before bystanders intervened. Eyewitness accounts claim that Roy was also involved in the alleged assault of two minors during her duty, further raising concerns about her conduct.

পশ্চিমবঙ্গ পুলিশের অবস্থা দেখে মানুষ কেঁপে উঠবে।
শিলিগুড়ি মেট্রোপলিটান পুলিশের পিংক ভ্যান বাহিনী এএসআই তানিয়া রায় মদ্যপ অবস্থায় বুধবার একটি জুয়ার ঠেকে হানা দেন। সেখানেই এক মহিলাকে অসংলগ্ন অবস্থায় জড়িয়ে ধরেন যা ভিডিওতে স্পষ্ট দেখা যাচ্ছে। বহুবার ওনার বিরুদ্ধে মদ্যপ… pic.twitter.com/f49iSWnQyg

— Samik Bhattacharya (@SamikBJP) October 24, 2024

Critics have taken to social media platforms, expressing their dismay over the actions of a uniformed officer, whose role is to ensure safety and security. Comments ranged from shock at the behaviour to demands for immediate disciplinary action. One user lamented, “This is shameful… What a situation for the police,” while another questioned when the officer would face termination and punishment.

BJP leader Samik Bhattacharya condemned the incident, asserting that it reflects poorly on the state of the West Bengal police. In his remarks on social media, he highlighted that Roy had been accused of arriving at work inebriated multiple times. He described the video evidence as indicative of unprofessional behaviour that is unacceptable for someone in her position.

Reports suggest that the minors, a girl and a boy, were merely conversing when the police van approached. Their mother has since accused Roy of misconduct and assault, demanding accountability for her actions.

As of now, the police department has not issued any statement regarding the incident. This situation raises significant concerns about the misuse of power by law enforcement officials and the importance of maintaining professional standards within the police force, particularly those tasked with protecting vulnerable communities. Further investigations are expected to follow as public pressure mounts for accountability and transparency.