Sub-Inspector Chouhan: A Cop with a Heart of Gold
Sub-Inspector (SI) Ashok Kumar Chouhan of the Ludhiana Traffic Police has become a beacon of hope and kindness, challenging the negative perception of the police force. With over 438,000 followers on Instagram and more than 2 million subscribers on YouTube, he regularly shares videos of himself helping the poor and needy while on duty. His compassionate approach has restored faith in the khaki uniform, showing that policing is not just about enforcing the law but also about serving society.
Personal Sacrifices for Public Good
SI Chouhan keeps shoes, clothes, food items, helmets, and other essential supplies in his vehicle. Whenever he encounters someone in need, he stops and offers assistance based on their requirements. What makes his efforts even more special is that he often spends money from his own pocket, saying that helping others gives him immense satisfaction. Many of his videos receive lakhs of views, with several crossing the million mark. One video, where he gifted a new pair of shoes to a pedestrian walking in worn-out footwear, garnered over 12 million views on Instagram.
Reuniting Families Through Social Media
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chouhan posted a video of a critically ill man lying on the road. The man's family in West Bengal identified him through the video shared on Chouhan's social media handle and traveled to Ludhiana to bring him back home. In another instance, one of his videos helped reunite a missing man from Kotkapura with his family. “I receive calls from across India. People motivate me, and even my seniors in the department encourage me to continue my social work,” said SI Chouhan.
A Remarkable Act of Honesty in 2010
Speaking to The Tribune, SI Chouhan recalled an incident from August 2010, when he was posted as a Head Constable in Ludhiana. While returning home after duty, he saw a family stranded on the roadside after their car broke down. Since it was nighttime, he tried to repair the vehicle himself but could not fix the problem. He then went to Oswal Cancer Hospital Chowk, brought a mechanic, and helped get the car repaired. The Ludhiana-based family, who were returning from a wedding in Patiala, resumed their journey after the repair. However, as they left, Chouhan noticed a gold, diamond-studded necklace lying on the road. He immediately chased their vehicle and returned the valuable jewelry to the family. The family was astonished, as the necklace was worth several lakhs. “When the family saluted the khaki, it gave me immense inner satisfaction for being a part of the Punjab Police,” SI Chouhan said.
Recognition and Awards
In recognition of his honesty, he received a special commendation from the Ludhiana Police on August 15, 2015. He was also honored by the Ludhiana Police in 2025 for saving the lives of occupants of an Innova car that caught fire in 2021. His social media efforts earned him YouTube's Silver Creator Award after crossing one lakh subscribers and, two years ago, the Golden Play Button after his channel crossed 20 lakh (two million) subscribers.
No Monetization, Pure Service
Despite having a massive following, Chouhan has never earned income from YouTube or Instagram and has no plans to monetize his platforms. “My purpose behind making these videos is not to earn money but to inspire others to participate in social work and help those in need. My grandfather is my role model; he used to help people. I will continue to serve society and make the khaki proud,” he said. His selfless dedication continues to inspire thousands, proving that one person's kindness can indeed restore faith in an entire institution.
