Senior IPS officer Purushottam Sharma is in trouble over his video in which he was seen assaulting his wife with serious blows.
After the video went viral on social media since Sunday midnight, the State Government on Monday removed him from the post of Special DG Prosecution and attached him to Home department in State Mantralaya. However, as expected, no FIR of domestic violence was registered against him till the filing of this report.
In the video clip of his residence, he was seen beating his wife by putting her down in a professional police manner. It was said that his son, who is an IRS officer has sent this video to Home Minister and the DGP seeking justice for his mother.
Later, Sharma, a Director General-rank officer, has justified his actions, calling it a 'family dispute', saying it is 'not a crime'.
In the widely-shared video, Sharma, 1986 batch IPS officer, is seen arguing with his wife. In seconds, he holds her, pins down her to the floor and thrashes her. Two other men can be seen in the room (Apparently the orderlies or domestic helps), with one of them coming near the couple. Two pet dogs are seen barking and walking around the room as the wife is being assaulted.
The officer is also seen showing injuries on his hand even as he continues yelling at his wife.
"If my nature is abusive, then she should've complained earlier. This is a family dispute, not a crime. I am neither a violent person nor a criminal. It is unfortunate that I have to go through this. My wife stalks me and has put cameras in the house," the police officer told media persons in the afternoon.
He said they have been married for 32 years and that his wife had complained against him in 2008. "But the point is, since 2008, she has been living in my house, enjoying all facilities and travelling abroad on my expenses," he said.
The wife was assaulted allegedly after she confronted Sharma with his friend.
Another video of Sharma caught by his wife at the residence of a young woman also went vital along with the first video.
Reacting to the incident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "He has been relieved of his duties. If anyone who holds a responsible position is found to be indulging in illegal activities and taking laws into his hands, then action will be taken against them, irrespective of who they are."
Home Minister Narottam Mishra said, "I too have seen and read about it. If there's any official complaint, then we'll see."
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken note of the video and its chief, Rekha Sharma, has written to the Chief Minister, seeking appropriate punishment for the officer. "Such incidents send a wrong message to the society," the NCW tweeted.
Later in the evening, the Home department has issued a show-cause notice to Special DG Purushottam Sharma for his act against the Indian Services Rules. He has been given time to reply to the notice by 5.30 pm on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, State Woman Commission has issued a notice to Sharma demanding an explanation regarding a video of domestic violence against him and sought reply appearing personally by 12.30 pm on October 05.
Besides, the Commission has written to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for registering an FIR against Sharma and providing security to his wife, as she has raised voice against her husband.