2 ex-cops held, 1 policeman suspended for 'supporting' colleagues accused in tech executive killing

Two former constables, dismissed from service in different cases, have been arrested, while another policeman has been suspended as the Uttar Pradesh police began probing social media posts supporting the accused in the killing of a tech executive here last week.

Brijendra Yadav and Avinah Pathak were arrested from Varanasi and Mirzapur on Thursday, police said.

Officials also said a probe has been ordered into reports that constables were posting on social media their pictures with black ribbons on their hands in support of their two accused colleagues and action would be taken against those found involved in such acts.

Constable Sarvesh Chowdhury in Raebareli was suspended on Thursday and an FIR registered against him for posting an 11-minute video in which he purportedly claims that he had offered and has been collecting money for the two constables accused in the killing of the Apple executive, and also took swipes at political leaders and top police officials.

Vivek Tiwari, the Apple executive, was shot dead early on September 29 by a policeman when he allegedly refused to stop his car for checking in Lucknow's posh Gomti Nagar neighbourhood.

Two constables, Prashant Chowdhury and Sandeep Kumar, were arrested after an FIR was lodged on basis of a complaint by Tiwari's colleague Sana Khan, who was travelling with him.

After the arrest of Prashant Chowdhury and Sandeep Kumar, some people, claiming themselves to be their batchmates and sympathisers, have launched a campaign on social media in their favour and also sought donations for the accused.

"An FIR has been registered at Hazratganj police station here on Thursday against unnamed people under the Police (Incitement to Disaffection) Act, and cyber teams are looking at such posts to take the case to a logical end," a senior police official said here.

The Act has a provision of maximum punishment of six months against whosoever intentionally causes or attempts to cause or does any act which he knows is likely to cause disaffection towards the government or among the members of police force.

"Rumours are being spread on social media... We have taken the matter seriously and surveillance is going on to track such people. It has come to the fore that some constables terminated from service are involved in it," the DIG said.

An Uttar Pradesh police spokesperson said, "It has come to our notice that constables are tying black ribbons and posting such pictures on social media. To verify it, the time and motive behind such acts, a probe has been ordered and the officers concerned have been directed to initiate appropriate action."
Clarifying the situation, the DIG said, "Some people posing as policemen and anti-social elements are involved in it. We will take strict action."