Cop Uses Plastic Stool as Helmet for Protection, Twitter Reacts

Cops in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, were seen using wicker baskets and plastic stools as protection gear.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@kittybehal10)

Two Uttar Pradesh police officers on anti-riot duty were photographed donning strange replacements for riot gear: a plastic stool and a bamboo basket.

They had been deployed as part of a team, following unrest after the death of two men in a road accident in Unnao. Agitating locals demanded action against those responsible and compensation for the kin of the deceased.

According to PTI, riot gear was rendered essential as some protesting locals started pelting stones at the police team stationed there. As many as 12 police personnel were reportedly injured and 43 were arrested. A case was registered against 100 named and 250 unknown people.

The SP was questioned and the SHO suspended, following their insubordinate actions towards safety measures, according to a statement by the Uttar Pradesh Police.

Akhilesh, Others React

Meanwhile, former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav took to Twitter to share a newspaper clipping that read (in Hindi): 'UP's law and order situation dependent on a basket and a stool'.

The visuals of this have gone viral and netizens have also expressed their shock at the incident. Many have blamed authorities for not providing the officers with necessary equipment, and believe that the claims made by the police aren't true.