Muzaffarnagar, (PTI): A station house officer here has been withdrawn from filed duty over alleged inaction on a woman's complaint against her husband for circulating an obscene video of her on social media, officials said Tuesday.

Bhopa police station SHO Deepak Chaturvedi has been set to line and Subhash Babu appointed in his place, they said.

The 25-year-old woman, who was divorced three months ago through triple talaq, committed suicide on August 28 after her husband allegedly circulated an obscene video of her on social media, police had said on Sunday.

Before she took the extreme step, she had alleged that the police were not taking any action against her husband on her compliant.

Deepak Chaturvedi had said Sunday, when he was still the SHO, the couple got married four years ago and had an 18-month-old son.

Police had also said the accused divorced his wife by pronouncing triple talaq three months ago following which she moved in with her parents in Kishanpur village along with the child, they said.

In a police complaint lodged on August 18, the woman accused her husband of giving instant triple talaq and forcibly taking away their son from her.

While the police were investigating the matter, an obscene video of the woman was circulated on social media allegedly by her husband, they said, adding the woman ended her life by consuming poison.

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Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.

Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.

Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.

The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.

According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.

The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.

Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.

Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.

Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.

Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.

"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.

She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.

Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.

Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.

Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.

The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.