JALNA: A police officer in Jalna sparked outrage after a video surfaced showing him kicking a protester in the waist while he was being detained outside the district magistrate’s office. The clip, shared on X by the handle @sirajnoorani, quickly went viral, with people demanding strict action against the officer.
The incident took place on Independence Day after BJP leader and minister Pankaja Munde hoisted the flag in Jalna. A protester, identified as Gopal Chaudhary, stopped her convoy and attempted self-immolation by pouring kerosene on himself. According to police, he also splashed kerosene on a female officer during the scuffle. At that moment, DYSP Anant Kulkarni was seen running from behind and kicking Chaudhary, a scene recorded by bystanders.
In #Jalna, a shocking incident occurred where a protester attempted to block the convoy of #BJP leader Pankaja Munde. Police intervened to quell the protest. Notably, DSP Anant Kulkarni was seen kicking the protester in the waist in a dramatic manner while removing him.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/g1rH84ocXr— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) August 15, 2025
Kulkarni later defended his actions, saying force was necessary to prevent the protester from harming himself and others. “Chaudhary had been fasting for days and tried to commit suicide during Munde’s visit. In such a situation, immediate force was required to ensure safety and control the situation,” he said.
Chaudhary and his family had been staging a sit-in for several days, alleging police bias in a marital dispute case. His wife, who reportedly remarried without divorce, had filed a complaint against the family, leading police to book them. The family had been demanding a fair hearing.
As Munde’s convoy passed, the family tried to block the road in protest. Police intervened, but the kicking incident inflamed tensions further. Public anger has since mounted, with many criticizing the police for excessive force.
