Scuffle breaks out after police chief is insulted

Müslim SARIYAR/12punto.com.tr

Footage of the incident that occurred yesterday morning in Avcılar was shared by many people on social media. In the footage, the Avcılar District Police Chief is seen entering a doner kebab shop in a fit of rage. In the video, where the district chief is seen striking the business owner on the shoulder, an employee is also seen intervening. While those watching the footage could not make sense of the district chief's anger, a statement was also issued by the police regarding the incident.

ALLEGED PROFANITIES

The statement said: “Regarding the incident that occurred on 21.12.2023 between resigned police officer A.B.Ö. and the Avcılar District Police Chief, judicial and administrative proceedings have been initiated. Preliminary findings indicate that as the District Police Chief was returning from a police station inspection in his district, the resigned police officer shouted profanities at his family as the chief's vehicle passed by. The District Police Chief then exited his vehicle and went toward the business, where a scuffle ensued.” It was also stated that the public would be informed once the judicial and administrative investigations into the incident are completed.

On the other hand, it was learned that A.B.Ö., who claims to be the victim in the incident and shared the footage, had come to Istanbul from Iğdır 12 months ago. It is alleged that while A.B.Ö. was serving in the Avcılar district, he was also involved in commercial activities. It is claimed that A.B.Ö., who was involved in vehicle sales, would bring some of these vehicles to the police station parking lot. It was also noted that A.B.Ö., who allegedly did not want to attend his additional duties, was operating a doner kebab shop. When the situation was reported to the district chief, a report was filed against him.

11 INVESTIGATIONS

Following the investigation launched upon the report, A.B.Ö. was sent back to Iğdır. A.B.Ö. stated that his child had a disability and returned to the police academy in Istanbul. However, when he failed to report to his duty station without an excuse, he was considered to have “resigned.” A.B.Ö., who was dismissed from the police force, allegedly held the district chief responsible for what happened. It was learned that 11 investigations had been opened against A.B.Ö., 6 of which were in Istanbul within one year.

STATEMENT FROM THE ISTANBUL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

In a statement issued by the Istanbul Governor's Office, it was announced that the police chief had been removed from his post with the following words:

The footage of Avcılar Police Chief Murat Özburun reflected in the media has caused deep sorrow.

Due to this incident, which is impossible to accept regardless of the reason, Murat Özburun has been removed from his position as Avcılar Police Chief.

The investigation launched into the incident is ongoing, and a request for an inspector has been made to examine the event.

News Source : 12punto