In a shocking incident that has raised serious questions about police conduct, retired Lieutenant General BS Hooda, former Northern Army Commander, has accused Punjab Police personnel of deliberately ramming his vehicle while escorting a VIP on Wednesday.
The Disturbing Incident on Zirakpur Flyover
The retired army officer detailed the alarming encounter that occurred at approximately 4 pm on Wednesday while he was driving with his wife on the Zirakpur flyover. According to Hooda's account on social media platform X, two Punjab Police jeeps accompanying a VIP toward Ambala approached his vehicle with blaring sirens.
"I slowed down to allow the first escort vehicle to pass," Hooda explained. "Due to heavy traffic conditions, the VIP car might have taken an additional three seconds to overtake us."
Deliberate Collision and Aftermath
The situation escalated dramatically when the rear escort jeep, apparently angered by the brief delay, overtook Hooda's car from the left side and then intentionally swerved right, striking the front portion of his vehicle before speeding away from the scene.
The retired lieutenant general emphasized that the impact caused visible damage to his car and expressed grave concern that the police drivers showed "no concern" for the safety of either him or his wife despite the busy traffic conditions prevailing at that hour.
In his strongly worded statement, Hooda remarked that "the arrogance and impunity of someone who is supposed to be a guardian of law soils the uniform and reputation of the organisation."
Official Response and Investigation
The Punjab Police department responded promptly to the serious allegations through the office of Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. The DGP's office expressed that the "distress and concern caused are deeply regretted" and assured that such behavior, if proven, would be considered "completely unacceptable and contrary to the values of professionalism and public service that Punjab Police stands for."
In a significant development, DGP Yadav confirmed that he has personally discussed the matter with Special DGP Traffic AS Rai and has issued clear directions to identify both the vehicles and personnel involved in the incident. The police chief assured that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated against those found responsible.
Hooda later revealed a crucial detail that his vehicle was not equipped with a dashcam, adding poignantly that "my word, if honourable, would have to do" as evidence of the incident.
The retired officer, who has a distinguished service record, was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1976 and retired in November 2016, just two months after overseeing the historic surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Uri terror attacks.
