Policemen beating an army jawan during a mask checking drive in Mayurhund block in Chatra district on Wednesday, has sparked anger among residents who demanded action against the culprits.

Eyewitnesses said the army jawan was coming on his bike and was not wearing a mask when policemen stopped him. They said instead of telling the jawan to wear a mask, policemen started misbehaving with him. When the jawan objected, six uniformed policemen started beating him with lathis and not only punched him but kicked him too. During this entire incident, BDO Saket Sinha who was incharge of the drive kept standing at one side and remained a mute spectator. Later villagers intervened and protested making police take the jawaan to Mayurhund police station.

Sources said deputy commissioner Anjali Yadav had instructed officials to launch a massive mask checking drive in the district because of the possibility of a third wave. Due to this, in each and every block, a drive was launched which was also going on Wednesday afternoon at Karma chowk in Mayurhund block.

Soon, a video of the beating went viral which made everyone criticise men-in-khakhi.

Talking to The Telegraph Online, superintendent of police Rakesh Ranjan said he came to know of the beating through a viral video. He confirmed that at the time of beating, BDO was present there. “I had asked DSP(headquarter) to probe this matter and to give a report immediately. Anyone found guilty will not be spared,” he added.