Mohali SP sends topless dancer’s video on WhatsApp group, blames friend’s children
ONE OF HIS JUNIORS WROTE: ‘TO ERR IS HUMAN AND TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE.’ ANOTHER MEMBER ADVISED HIM TO DELETE SUCH VIDEOS
SAS NAGAR: Parminder Singh Bhandal, city superintendent of police (SP), has landed in a row that after sending a video of a topless woman dancing on a table to a group on social messaging app WhatsApp on Monday.
The group comprises police officers, politicians and journalists. Bhandal was quick to offer an explanation in the group, saying: “Sorry sent by mistake, my friend children were playing with my phone. (sic)”
SSP KS Chahal said he was unaware of the matter and would “get it checked”. No stranger to controversy, Bhandal was recently removed from investigations of a murder case wherein a man was shot dead and the body put into a suitcase allegedly by the wife. Victim Ekam Singh Dhillon’s kin had accused him of trying to shield the accused.
A few members of the group raised an objection over the oneminute-23-second video, but the group administrator, a photojournalist, wrote: “He has apologized... the matter should be rested there.” One of the SP’s subordinates wrote: “To err is human and to forgive is divine.” Another member advised that he should delete such videos “as soon as you receive”. He was even asked by a few members to use a password for his phone.
As per the IT Act, “publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form” is punishable with jail term up to three years besides monetary fine.
ARJUNA AWARDEE BASKETBALL PLAYER
Bhandal got recruited as an ASI in Punjab Police in 1990, and was earlier SP, investigation, in Jalandhar Rural Police. He rose through the ranks also due to his performances in national-level basketball games. He was once captain of the Indian team and was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2001.