Four policemen were suspended in Bulandshahr following allegations that they planted a pistol in a youth’s car to frame him in a false case, officials said on Monday. The action was taken after a video went viral on social media.

Dinesh Kumar, father of the youth, Amit, alleged that his son was returning from a function on July 21 when some policemen stopped his car in a market and forcibly placed a pistol in the vehicle. A case was registered against Amit and he was sent to jail, Dinesh said.

The incident occurred in the Shikarpur police station area. A purported video of the incident went viral on Monday in which the policemen are seen removing a weapon from a motorcycle and placing it in a car. All policemen seen in the video have been suspended with immediate effect by the senior superintendent of police, the officials said.

Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rakesh Kumar Mishra told reporters that the police station incharge of Shikarpur, the town outpost incharge and two constables had been suspended. A separate report was being sent in connection with two home guards seen in the video, he said, adding that an inquiry report would be sent to the SSP.

Meanwhile, In Rae Bareli, a sub-inspector from Bhadokhar police station allegedly threatened to imprison a man if he did not cough up Rs 10,000. The man suffered a heart attack and died as a result. The incident occurred in Bela Khara village under Bhadokhar police station on Tuesday.

Recent reports indicate that a dispute had arisen between two parties over the cutting of acacia trees. Shivdas Maurya had filed a case against Nukshar, the wife of Aslam, who allegedly attacked the victim with sticks.

Sub-inspector Anil Yadav of Bhadokhar police station was handling the case. According to Suresh Maurya, the brother of the deceased, Yadav demanded Rs 10,000 from Ramesh Maurya, the victim’s brother, for filing a chargesheet. Yadav also threatened to imprison Ramesh if he did not pay the money and after registering a counter-case. Fearing imprisonment, Ramesh Maurya suffered a heart attack a few hours later, which led to his death on Tuesday.

In response, local villagers and leaders from Hindu organisations staged demonstrations, calling for an inquiry and action against Yadav. CO (City) Amit Singh stated that the matter would be investigated and appropriate action would be taken.