In what seems like a tragic parody of policing, a sub inspector in Kanpur tipped off a wanted criminal about an impending raid, only to return minutes later with full police force and stage a dramatic yet pointless crackdown. The entire farce, fitting for a low budget crime comedy, was captured on CCTV.
The footage shows sub inspector Aditya Bajpai, posted at Jageshwar Mandir police outpost, riding up on a bike with Constable Vijay Raj. They approach wanted man Anoop Shukla, a known associate of jailed gangster Dinu Upadhyay. Bajpai casually chats with Anoop, allegedly warning him of an upcoming police raid. In response, Anoop picks up his trolley bag, waves cheekily at the officer, and strolls off.
Moments later, Bajpai returns in full uniform and helmet, only this time leading a full fledged police raid, complete with multiple vehicles and personnel. Unsurprisingly, the suspect had already vanished.
Viral CCTV footage shows the officer smirking and gesturing while the criminal disappears. The staged drama, more sitcom than sting operation, has prompted public outrage and official embarrassment. Police Commissioner Akhil Kumar has suspended both Bajpai and Constable Vijay Raj. An FIR has been ordered, and the incident is under investigation.
Officials confirmed the link between Anoop and the notorious Dinu gang, involved in land grab and extortion. The incident leaves behind not just laughter, but a sobering reminder of the dysfunctional state of law enforcement, where raids are rehearsed, claims of rule of law joke and criminals leave with bags in hand while cops return for the cameras.
