An assistant sub-inspector belonging to the Dehra police in the Jaswan Pragpur area of Kangra district has been shunted to the police lines following the emergence of a viral video that caused embarrassment to the Himachal Pradesh police force. The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Moin police station within the Dehra police district, prompting Dehra Superintendent of Police Sandip Dhawal to take immediate administrative action against the erring police personnel.
Details of the Viral Roadside Incident
The controversy unfolded when a group of tourists from Haryana arrived in Kangra to sightsee in their newly purchased vehicle. During a routine traffic check, the ASI intercepted their car and began pressing them for sweets to celebrate the new purchase, which appeared to be an indirect demand for money or favours. The entire interaction was captured on a dashcam installed inside the car. In the roughly three-minute recording, the police officer is seen engaging with the occupants, including a young man named Ankit who was driving the car.
When Ankit mentioned that they had bought the vehicle six to seven months ago, the officer congratulated them and repeatedly insisted that they celebrate the occasion by offering sweets, while also asking about their hometowns and personal backgrounds. Ankit explained to the officer that he had recently finished his master degree, while his companion seated next to him mentioned working at LAIC in Kangra. As the conversation continued, the occupants discussed among themselves whether they should comply with the demand, to which the officer remarked that he could otherwise issue a minor traffic challan.
Discussion Over Alcohol and Departure
During the exchange, the young men offered the officer a bottle of alcohol they had with them, noting that it was only partially full and asking if he wanted it. The officer inquired if the bottle was full, but when the occupants declined further engagement, he eventually instructed them to drive away. The video recording subsequently circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing sharp public criticism regarding police conduct during highway checks.
Official Stance and Administrative Action
Following the rapid circulation of the clip online, Dehra SP Sandip Dhawal issued a press statement detailing the actions taken by the Kangra police. The statement noted that the behaviour of the police employee during the traffic checking appeared improper, lacking in decorum, and suggestive of an unwarranted demand based on a preliminary review of the footage. Taking cognisance of the situation, the district police chief ordered the immediate relocation of the concerned employee to the police lines.
Furthermore, the SDPO Dadasiba has been officially directed to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry into the entire episode. The police department reiterated that all personnel on duty are expected to maintain courteous, dignified, and respectful interactions with the general public. Departmental authorities emphasized that indiscipline and inappropriate conduct during active duty are treated with strict seriousness, and further departmental action will follow if the preliminary facts are fully substantiated during the ongoing probe.
