Met Police Officer Jailed for Chokehold on Handcuffed Patient at East London Hospital
PC Rajan Solanki Sentenced Over Shocking Assault
A Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed for 12 weeks after assaulting a handcuffed man at an east London hospital. PC Rajan Solanki, 28, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and was sentenced today at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Solanki, from the North East Area Command Unit, will also serve a 12-month probation period after his release.
Gruesome Hospital Incident Caught on Camera
The assault happened in the early hours of June 10, 2024. Officers were called to an east London hospital where a man was admitted for a mental health assessment. The patient had been violent earlier and was restrained with handcuffs linked to the hospital bed.
Bodycam footage revealed Solanki removing the man’s right cuff before a struggle erupted. He then placed the man in a chokehold, wrapping his right arm around the patient’s neck while gripping his own arm with his left hand.
The footage shows the man struggling to breathe, red-faced and distressed. During the 20-second hold, Solanki threatened him:
“Put your arm on the cuff, or I’m going to choke you out. I swear to god, I will f***** choke you out.”
Other officers and hospital staff had to intervene to restrain the man face down and reapply the handcuffs.
IOPC Investigation Leads to Charges
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation immediately after the June 2024 incident. They interviewed Solanki, reviewed bodycam and hospital CCTV footage, and took statements from officers and staff present.
The Crown Prosecution Service approved assault charges in November 2024.
IOPC Slams ‘Unlawful and Dangerous’ Force
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe slammed Solanki’s conduct:
“Officers are trained to use force that is reasonable and proportionate. PC Solanki’s use of a chokehold on a man handcuffed to a hospital bed was unlawful.”
“His actions risked serious harm and have rightly led to his conviction and prison sentence.”
Met Faces Tough Decisions on Disciplinary Action
Now that the criminal case is over, the Metropolitan Police must decide on internal discipline, potentially including dismissal. A Met spokesperson said:
“We take allegations of excessive force extremely seriously and will work with the IOPC on misconduct proceedings.”
Public Outcry Over Police Conduct Escalates
The case adds to growing concerns about policing standards, especially the treatment of vulnerable people in crisis. Critics argue the Met must overhaul training and accountability to rebuild trust.
What Happens Next?
- PC Solanki serves a 12-week prison term.
- He faces 12 months probation after release.
- The Met decides on further disciplinary steps.
Watch this space for updates as the disciplinary process unfolds.
