In the video, Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (Prosecution) Purushottam Sharma is seen thrashing his wife (ANI)

A 1986-batch IPS officer in Madhya Pradesh, Purushottam Sharma, was relieved of his charge as Director General, Prosecution, after a video of him beating up his wife went viral. Citing the video, an order from the state home department has called Sharma’s behaviour unethical and indulgent in inflicting domestic violence.

As per the service conduct rules, the home department has asked Sharma to submit an explanation by 5.30 pm on September 29, following which further course of action will be decided.

Earlier in the day, Sharma was relieved of his charge and attached with the home department where he is yet to get any posting. An official from the department said, “Neither his wife nor son has approached us with a complaint. Taking all aspects into consideration, an FIR or similar action has not been initiated and a disciplinary probe has been initiated.”

Quoting the viral video, Madhya Pradesh home department has called for an explanation from former DG (Prosecution) Purushottam Sharma. Sharma has been asked to send his reply by 5 pm on Sep 29 based on which further course of action will be taken. @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/jWbQINYc1V

— Iram Siddique (@Scribbly_Scribe) September 28, 2020

In a video that went viral Monday morning, Sharma can be seen beating up his wife after a heated argument. At one point, he is seen pinning her down to the floor. In another video, recorded by his wife, Sharma is sitting in a room with a woman and his wife is asking him why he is there.

When contacted, Sharma told The Indian Express, “This is a family dispute and I am at the receiving end. My wife made the first complaint against me in 2008, but if I had such a violent nature, why did she stay back with me all these years and went on foreign trips and got all the property transferred in her name?”Asked about the allegations made by his wife, he said, “I will answer to an investigating agency when asked, but not to the media.”

Purushottam Sharma, DG, MP Public Prosecution Directorate has been transferred and relieved from his duties with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/xyE1InirxO

— Office of Shivraj (@OfficeofSSC) September 28, 2020

After the two videos came to the fore, a police team was sent to meet Sharma’s wife Priya. According to a senior officer, she refused to file an official complaint.

Director General of Police Vivek Johri said, “We have not received any official complaint yet.”

The chief commissioner of the state women’s commission, Shobha Oza, said the commission is in the process of issuing a showcause notice. “We want him to be not only suspended but his service to be terminated. An FIR should be registered under relevant sections invoking domestic violence.”

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest Bhopal News, download Indian Express App.

© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd