In a disturbing incident that has triggered widespread public outrage, two on-duty police constables in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, have been suspended for allegedly stealing a high-end iPhone from a local mobile showroom. The incident, which took place in the busy Line Bazar area, has raised serious questions about accountability and trust in law enforcement, especially as the alleged theft was captured clearly on CCTV cameras.
The case has not only shocked residents but has also sparked intense discussions on social media, where the video footage quickly circulated, amplifying public scrutiny.
Credits: Free Press Journal
The Incident Inside the Showroom
According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, at approximately 2 pm at a mobile showroom located near the JC intersection. The shop owner, Shivam, revealed that two uniformed policemen entered the store posing as regular customers. Their presence initially did not raise suspicion, as they politely asked a female salesperson to display different models of iPhones.
For nearly 20 minutes, the two men carefully examined several devices. They engaged the showroom staff in conversation, asking questions about features, prices, and specifications, which made their behaviour appear routine and genuine. However, as events unfolded, it became clear that their visit was far from ordinary.
Before leaving the store, the two policemen casually informed the staff that they were not satisfied with the options shown to them and exited the showroom without making a purchase.
The Missing iPhone Raises Suspicion
Shortly after the duo left, Shivam noticed that an iPhone 15 Pro Max, priced at approximately ₹1.62 lakh, was missing from the display counter. Alarmed by the disappearance of such an expensive device, he immediately decided to check the CCTV footage installed inside the showroom.
The footage revealed a startling sequence of events. One of the constables was seen discreetly picking up the phone and slipping it into his pocket. In an apparent attempt to avoid immediate suspicion, he reportedly left behind his personal iPhone 13 Pro at the counter, possibly assuming that the switch would delay detection.
The clear visuals left little room for doubt, prompting Shivam to take swift action.
CCTV Footage Leads to Identification
Determined to identify the culprits, Shivam shared the CCTV clip with nearly 200 contacts through a WhatsApp group. The video spread rapidly, and within hours, several individuals recognised the two men as active-duty police constables posted in Jaunpur district.
Armed with this information, Shivam filed a formal complaint and personally approached City Superintendent of Police (SP) Ayush Srivastava. He presented the CCTV footage as evidence, urging authorities to take immediate action.
Swift Police Response and Recovery of Phone
Taking the allegations seriously, the police promptly registered an FIR and launched an investigation. Acting quickly, officials were able to recover the stolen iPhone within a day. The phone was subsequently returned to the showroom owner.
Confirming the action taken, City SP Ayush Srivastava stated that both accused constables, identified as Dhananjay Bind and Mithilesh Yadav, had been suspended with immediate effect. He also confirmed that a departmental inquiry has been ordered to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and determine further disciplinary measures.
A Troubling Background Connection
Adding another layer to the case, Shivam informed authorities that one of the suspended constables was familiar with the area. According to him, the constable had previously visited the locality frequently and had even studied at a digital library operating above the showroom around a year ago.
This revelation has further shocked local residents, many of whom expressed disbelief that individuals entrusted with maintaining law and order could be involved in such an act.
Credits: Bhaskar English
Public Reaction and Larger Concerns
The incident has sparked strong reactions among citizens, with many expressing disappointment and anger over the alleged misconduct by law enforcement personnel. The case has reignited conversations about ethical accountability within police departments and the importance of maintaining public trust.
While the swift recovery of the stolen phone and immediate suspension of the accused officers have been appreciated, the episode serves as a stark reminder that misuse of authority can severely damage institutional credibility.
As the departmental inquiry progresses, many await strict action that could serve as a deterrent and reinforce the message that no one is above the law.
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