Mohali SP blames friend’s children for sending a topless dancer video on Whatsapp group

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Parminder Singh Bhandal, superintendent of police (SP), city, SAS Nagar, has landed in a row that after sending a video of a topless woman dancing on a table to a group on social messaging app WhatsApp on Monday.The group comprises police officers, politicians and journalists. Bhandal was quick to offer an explanation in the group, saying: “Sorry sent by mistake, my friend children were playing with my phone. (sic)”

When contacted, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Kuldeep Singh Chahal said he was unaware of the matter and would “get it checked”.

No stranger to controversy, Bhandal was recently removed from investigations of a sensational murder case wherein a man was shot dead and the body put into a suitcase allegedly by the wife. Victim Ekam Singh Dhillon’s kin had accused him of trying to shield the accused.

A few members of the group raised an objection over the 1-minute-23-second video, but the group administrator, a photojournalist, wrote: “He has apologized… the matter should be rested there.”

One of the SP’s subordinates wrote: “To err is human and to forgive is divine.” Another member advised that he should delete such videos “as soon as you receive”. He was even asked by a few members to use a password for his phone.

As per the IT Act, “publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form” is punishable with jail term up to three years besides monetary fine.

Arjuna awardee basketball player

Bhandal got recruited as an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) in Punjab Police in 1990, and was earlier SP, investigation, in Jalandhar Rural Police. He rose through the ranks also due to his performances in national-level basketball games. He was once captain of the Indian team and was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2001.