Kolkata, Nov 22 (NationPress) In the Ranibandh area of Bankura district in West Bengal, locals protested on Saturday against a police officer accused of assaulting his servant and harassing the servant's sister. The residents demanded stringent action against the officer, leading to a road blockade in the region.

Reports indicate that a sub-inspector from Ranibandh Police Station has been charged with repeatedly assaulting a servant after accusing him of theft. Furthermore, it is alleged that he also molested the servant's sister and made inappropriate advances.

Local sources reveal that the sub-inspector resides in a rental property in Ranibandh. A young man named Sajal Sahis, hailing from Rajakata village, worked as his servant. Last Thursday, a significant sum of money was reportedly stolen from the officer's pants, and he implicated Sajal.

It is alleged that the police officer confined Sajal to his residence and assaulted him, claiming Sajal had stolen a total of Rs 12 lakh. Reports suggest that Sajal was violently beaten with a belt and a stick, and faced threats involving a service revolver.

After enduring hours of abuse on Thursday, Sajal and his family allege that the officer summoned him again on Friday for further beatings. They also claim the officer raided their home in Rajakata village, taking cash and jewelry, during which Sajal's sister was allegedly molested.

On Friday evening, Sajal fell ill and was taken to the Ranibandh Block Primary Health Centre. When news of the incident spread, locals rallied for a protest that night.

By Saturday morning, residents had begun blocking roads and burning tires at the Khudiram Statue intersection in Ranibandh, demanding justice for the victim. This blockade halted traffic on both Bankura–Jhilimili and Bankura–Barikul state highways. The protest concluded in the evening after the police assured action would be taken against the accused officer.

In response to the situation, Bankura Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Tiwari addressed the media, stating: “No formal complaint has yet been filed regarding this incident. However, the Khatra SDPO has been instructed to investigate all allegations and provide a report promptly. If the accused officer is found culpable, appropriate action will be taken.”

Additionally, the Superintendent noted that the protesters were invited to the Ranibandh Police Station for discussions, but instead chose to block the road.