A video of the incident however showed the judge apparently hitting policemen back.
Highlights
- Judge says policeman slapped him after argument over traffic restrictions
- Judge seen slapping another cop back in video filmed in Gopalganj, Bihar
- The incident flared tensions, police says an enquiry has been ordered
As it fends off Opposition's attacks over 'Jungle Raj' or lawlessness, the Bihar government's problems don't seem to be going away any time soon.
On Thursday, a policeman in Gopalganj - around 150 km from Patna - was accused of slapping a judge. In a video released later however, the judge was seen hitting another cop back.
According to a police complaint or FIR filed by Prabhunath Prasad, the additional Chief Judicial Magistrate of Gopalganj, Sub Inspector AK Yadav stopped and slapped him after an argument on the road yesterday.
Mr Prasad has said that he was stopped by the policeman who wanted him to take a longer route due to traffic restrictions because of the District Board Elections.
Despite disclosing his identity as a judge and pleading that he was getting late for court after his car broke down, Mr Prasad, who was riding pillion on a motorcycle, was not allowed to pass. When the judge asked him to speak to senior officers, Mr Yadav allegedly lost his cool and slapped Mr Prasad.
This incident witnessed by other court staff and lawyers sparked tension in the area and lawyers threatened to go on a strike in protest against this incident.
However, a video that has emerged of the incident later showed Mr Prasad hitting a policeman present there. The video is part of a report prepared by the police.
Responding to the complaint the police has said that it has started an enquiry and also issued notices to Mr Yadav and the constable.