Delhi police on Friday suspended a sub-inspector for allegedly kicking men who were offering Friday namaz on a road in north Delhi’s Inderlok area.

A video of the purported incident showed the police officer, identified as Manoj Kumar Tomar, kicking and slapping some men who were offering prayers on the road around 2pm. Soon, the video went viral on social media, trigerring massive outrage.

“In the incident which happened today, the police post in-charge who was seen in the video has been suspended with immediate effect. Necessary disciplinary action is also being taken,” deputy commissioner of police (north) M.K. Meena said.

Earlier, a large number of local people had protested against the incident and blocked the road, demanding action against the policeman, which led to stepping up of security in the area. DCP Meena met the protesters and assured them that strict action would be taken against the accused.

Congress Rajya Sabha member Imran Pratapgarhi shared a video of the incident on X, saying: “This official of Delhi Police kicking a person while offering namaz probably does not understand the basic principles of humanity. What is this hatred that is filled in the heart of this cop? Delhi Police is requested to register a case against this official under appropriate sections and terminate his service.”