Police Misdemeanour Blamed On High Workload In Assam

Public trust in law enforcement is vital for maintaining order, but when officers act aggressively, it undermines this trust

A recent incident involving Inspector Bhargav Borbora, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Panbazar Police Station, has sparked a citywide debate on police behaviour and the challenges of law enforcement. On Friday, November 15, a video surfaced showing Inspector Borbora assaulting a delivery agent near the Jail Road traffic point in Fancy Bazar, Guwahati. The incident, which quickly went viral, has brought to light both the burden of overwork faced by police personnel and the alarming consequences of unchecked aggression.

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The Incident:

Around 6:30 PM the delivery agent reportedly broke a traffic signal and entered a restricted "no-entry" zone. A Police Security Officer (PSO) flagged him down, but the agent allegedly tried to flee. In the video, Inspector Borbora is seen dragging the delivery agent to the roadside, grabbing him by the neck, and threatening him with phrases such as, “Where do you think you are going?” and “I will kill you.”

The footage also shows bystanders trying to intervene, but being met with threats from Inspector Borbora, who demanded they stop filming. Witnesses later told media outlets that the officer’s behaviour was intimidating, both towards the delivery agent and the bystanders.

The aftermath of the video’s release was swift. The Director General of Police (DGP), Assam, issued a statement announcing Inspector Borbora’s suspension and the initiation of a departmental enquiry. "The behaviour of Insp Bhargav Borbora, OC Panbazar, is unacceptable. He is being placed under suspension with immediate effect. CP Guwahati has been advised to post another officer immediately," the statement read.

This incident is not an isolated case. Guwahati and other parts of Assam have witnessed several episodes of police high-handedness:

1. Custodial Death in Nagaon: Earlier this year, Tafazzul Islam, a resident of Barhheti village, Nagaon, died in police custody after being mistakenly detained in a rape case. Allegations of police brutality and negligence were levelled against the officers involved, sparking public outrage.

2. Assault on a Fruit Vendor: In September, a police officer in Hatigaon was caught on video hitting a fruit vendor who had reportedly set up his stall in a prohibited area. The officer’s aggressive behaviour drew criticism from local residents.

3. Verbal Abuse of Protesters: During a peaceful protest at Dighalipukhuri in October, participants alleged that police personnel used abusive language and threatened them with arrests, even though the protest was carried out with prior permissions.

While such incidents highlight a worrying pattern, many city police officials point to the immense workload and lack of adequate resources as underlying causes of such behaviour. Speaking to GPlus, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) explained, “We work for more than 18-20 hours a day and often report for duty early the next morning without adequate rest. If we’re assigned a case outside the state, we cannot return home until it is resolved, regardless of family emergencies.”

Another Sub-Inspector (SI) shared similar concerns, stating, “Even police stations with higher numbers of personnel, such as Dispur Police Station, struggle to provide adequate rest periods for their officers. Despite this, we always lace up for every task given to us. That is the police for you.”

The gruelling schedules and the nature of police work—exposure to violence, crime scenes, and public confrontations—take a significant toll on mental health. A city-based psychiatrist noted, “Police officials operate in high-stress environments that shape their behaviour over time. The repeated exposure to difficult situations makes them vulnerable to mental health challenges.” The psychiatrist further emphasised the importance of mental health interventions. “Regular counselling and mind development exercises should be mandatory for police personnel. These practices can help them manage stress better and improve their efficiency in service.”

Incidents like Inspector Borbora’s do more than tarnish the image of the police force—they create disorder and can derail careers. A senior police official remarked anonymously, “When an officer behaves violently in public, it not only damages the trust between the police and citizens but also compromises the integrity of the institution. The officer faces consequences, but the entire force pays the price in terms of public perception.”

Public trust in law enforcement is vital for maintaining order, but when officers act aggressively, it undermines this trust. The suspension of officers like Borbora sends a strong message, but systemic changes are needed to address the root causes of such behaviour.

Experts suggest that in order to prevent such incidents, the police force must prioritise reforms:

1. Workforce Expansion: Increasing the number of personnel in police stations can help distribute the workload more evenly, reducing the risk of burnout.

2. Mental Health Support: Implementing mandatory counselling sessions and stress-management workshops for police personnel can mitigate the psychological toll of their work.

3. Community Engagement: Encouraging open dialogue between police and citizens through forums and public meetings can foster mutual understanding and trust.

4. Training in Conflict Resolution: Regular training sessions on de-escalation techniques can equip officers with the skills needed to handle tense situations without resorting to aggression.

For citizens, incidents of police misconduct are both alarming and disappointing. “We expect the police to protect us, not intimidate us,” said a resident of Fancy Bazar. Another resident added, “While we understand the pressure they are under, it does not excuse such behaviour. Officers should be held accountable.”

The suspension of Inspector Borbora is a step towards accountability, but it is not enough. Public demands for transparent investigations and strict action against erring officers continue to grow.

The recent incidents in Guwahati highlight the urgent need for structural reforms within the police force. While the workload and stress faced by officers are undeniable, their primary responsibility remains the safety and well-being of citizens. By addressing the root causes of aggression and misconduct, the police force can work towards restoring public trust and ensuring that such incidents become a rarity rather than a trend.

As Guwahati moves forward, the onus lies on both the police force and the government to implement changes that benefit both officers and the public they serve. Until then, the thin blue line between order and chaos remains precariously stretched.