A police constable in Tripura found himself on the wrong side of the law when he was apprehended on Saturday for allegedly appearing in a state of inebriation during court proceedings at the District and Session court of Bishalgarh.
Signs of Intoxication and Disregard for Court Decorum
Ruphanghu Dangu, serving at the SP office in Tripura’s Sepahijala district, was present in court to provide testimony as a witness in a 2017 murder case. The court’s attention was drawn to his behavior as he testified about the civilian’s murder in the Ganiamara area.
Despite being summoned to contribute valuable testimony, Constable Dangu allegedly exhibited signs of intoxication, leading to Judge Debasish Kar issuing repeated warnings. The constable’s failure to adhere to court decorum prompted the judge to take swift action.
In response to the observed misconduct, the court ordered the police to detain Constable Dangu. Following standard procedures, a medical test was conducted, confirming the presence of intoxicating substances. Subsequently, the constable was formally arrested.
Denials and Investigations
Constable Dangu, however, vehemently denies being under the influence of alcohol, asserting that he was merely chewing tobacco. Superintendent of Police (Sepahijala) B P Reddy acknowledged the constable’s denial but confirmed that an investigation has been initiated based on the court’s complaint. A departmental inquiry is set to be launched against Constable Dangu.