Cuttack: A viral video, purportedly showing inspector in charge (IIC) Asit Kumar Balabantaray of Bidanasi police station slapping and kicking a 32-year-old man during Durga Puja idol immersion on the banks of river Kathajodi on Oct 22, has triggered outrage among the residents, who have demanded strong disciplinary action against the officer.DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said a probe has been initiated. “An ACP has been engaged to investigate the matter and submit a report. Subsequently, action will be taken in the case,” added Dnyandeo.Puja committee members accused the police officer of abusing his uniform.The incident took place when the Bidanasi Puja Committee’s procession was reportedly asked to clear the way for immersion.The video purportedly shows the IIC slapping a man standing near the procession and dragging him onto the road. The IIC verbally abused several other people as well.“Who has given the police the right to slap anyone? He has no such authority,” said Shibendra Behera, secretary of the Bidanasi Puja Committee.A resident of Chahata area, Jyoti Ranjan Mohanty, said the incident reflected high-handed policing during the festival, claiming they had faced similar treatment during Ganesh Puja earlier. The IIC had beaten up several people during the Ganesh Puja immersion procession in Bidanasi area, Mohanty added.A member of Cuttack Shanti Committee, Dipayan Pattnaik, said a delegation had approached DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo immediately after the incident. “He told us that he would discuss the matter after the immersion. However, six days have passed, and no action has been taken so far. Such an unruly officer should not be allowed to serve people and spoil the festive fervour of the city,” he said.