Jammu, November 14, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir government has suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sunil Singh following allegations that he assaulted a Block Development Officer (BDO) in Jammu. The suspension comes in the wake of a video that went viral on social media, purportedly showing the DSP physically assaulting the BDO.

According to Government Order No. 541-Home of 2025, the suspension was ordered under Rule 31(1) of the J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1956. The suspended officer, who was serving as the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) for Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, has been attached to the Police Headquarters pending an inquiry.

The alleged victim, Azhar Khan, is a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer and BDO. The incident reportedly occurred in the Gandhinagar area after a confrontation between Khan and Singh. Initial reports indicate that the altercation stemmed from a traffic-related incident on Monday in which Khan's vehicle, allegedly being driven on the wrong side of the road, collided with a van, causing a traffic jam. A purported video of the incident shows DSP Singh allegedly slapping the JKAS officer.

The video sparked widespread condemnation from the public and political leaders, including the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services Association, which demanded immediate action against the police officer. Following the public outcry, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat ordered the transfer of Sunil Singh to the police headquarters in Jammu. DySP Kuljit Singh has been posted as SDPO Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, with immediate effect.

Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department, Chandraker Bharti issued the suspension order, stating that it was effective immediately. During the period of suspension, DySP Sunil Jasrotia will remain attached to the Police Headquarters, J&K. The order has been issued with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor.

While preliminary reports suggest that a heated argument over an official matter escalated into physical assault, the exact trigger for the altercation is still under investigation. A longer version of the video purportedly shows the JKAS officer driving on the wrong side and hitting a van, and a heated exchange between the two officers.

The government’s swift action is seen as a demonstration of zero tolerance for misconduct and unprofessional behavior within the civil and police administration. The suspension underscores the commitment to maintaining discipline and accountability, particularly in cases involving inter-departmental conflict. The inquiry is expected to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate course of action.