Taiwan Betel Nut Girl Vs Cop

A TAIWANESE betel nut sales girl who was roughed up by a police officer and thrown to the ground while being arrested, has whipped up a media storm over the incident.

Betel nut girl, Yen Ju-yu, arguing with 37-year-old police officer, Luan Cheng, at her betel nut stall before their struggle by the roadside.

After shouting and swearing at each other, Luan is caught on camera for slamming the 19-year-old girl onto the ground outside her stall. Her right eye was bruised and her fingers on her left hand were injured.

The officer has since been removed from his current post.

Publicity stunt?

This incident has led some netizens to wonder if all this is but a publicity stunt on Yen's part in order for her to "gain entry" into the entertainment industry.

During an interview with the Taiwanese press, Yen said that because her father had died and her mother had ran away, she had no choice but to support her younger brothers and started working since she was 14 years old.

Besides selling betel nuts, she also pursued a modelling career and was featured on the cover of a magazine.

In response to the claims of a publicity stunt, Yen has refuted them.

"I never thought of it (entering the entertainment industry).

"I only want to seek justice for myself," said the betel nut salesgirl.

Ever since this incident was reported, Yen's blog has garnered hundreds comments - while some readers left words of encouragement, others told her off for "playing it up".

Police officer speaks up

Luan told the media that he had initially approached Yen to persuade her to behave herself after he caught her soliciting male customers to patronize her betel nut stand on Zhongzheng Road in Chungho City.

He tried persuading Yen to behave herself after seeing her squatting on the sidewalk, exposing her underwear beneath her mini skirt.

Luan felt that her behaviour was inappropriate and advised her for undermining public decency. This was when they started quarrelling.

Footage from security cameras showed the two exchanging crude comments. Yen even threatened the police officer by saying: "Hit me if you have the guts!"

During the heated argument, Yen then pulled down the metal gate of her stall and went inside.

This was when Luan allegedly charged at her and threw her on the ground.

He justified his actions by saying that if he had not taken action, he would have been locked inside the stall.

A passerby who witnessed the incident told Luan not to be too forceful as he was afraid he would break Yen's arm, and Luan's reply was: "That's not my business."

Taiwanese authorities who are aware of this incident said that the way Luan had handled the situation was "appropriate".

However, media reports said that Luan has since regretted using force on Yen. He is likely to be switched to another location.