Former Army Commander's Car Targeted by Reckless Police Escort
A shocking incident of road aggression involving a Punjab Police VIP escort vehicle has come to light, where a former Northern Army Commander's car was deliberately damaged on a crowded flyover. The event, which raises serious questions about police conduct, occurred on Wednesday on the Zirakpur flyover and has prompted strong reactions from top police officials.
The Terrifying Ordeal on Zirakpur Flyover
Lieutenant General Hooda, who retired as GOC-in-C of the Northern Command and currently resides in Zirakpur, Mohali, was driving with his wife at approximately 4 pm on Wednesday when the incident unfolded. According to his detailed account on social media platform X, two Punjab Police jeeps escorting a VIP towards Ambala approached from behind with blaring sirens.
"I slowed my vehicle to let the first police jeep pass," Lt Gen Hooda explained. "The VIP vehicle took about three extra seconds to pass due to heavy traffic conditions. This apparently angered the drivers, leading to dangerous retaliation."
The rear escort jeep, while overtaking from the left side, deliberately cut sharply right, colliding with the front portion of the retired officer's car before speeding away from the scene. The former commander emphasized that this was clearly an intentional act that not only caused vehicle damage but also endangered lives on the heavily congested road.
Official Response and Investigation Launched
Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, responded promptly to the social media post, expressing deep regret for the distress caused to Lt Gen Hooda and his wife. The police chief described the behavior as "completely unacceptable" and contrary to the professional values that Punjab Police represents.
"I have personally discussed the matter with Special DGP Traffic AS Rai," DGP Yadav stated. "Directions have been issued to identify the vehicles and personnel involved. We are taking this matter with utmost seriousness and will ensure accountability through appropriate action."
Special DGP Traffic, AS Rai, has already spoken with Lt Gen Hooda and assured that CCTV footage from the area will be utilized to identify the specific escort vehicles involved in the incident. The retired officer had tagged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Yadav in his original post, bringing immediate attention to the matter.
Broader Concerns About Police Escort Behavior
This incident has sparked wider concerns about the conduct of police escort vehicles in Punjab. High-speed police convoys with blaring sirens have become a common sight on state roads, often navigating through red lights and heavy traffic by waving other vehicles aside.
The social media post attracted sharp responses from retired defense personnel who expressed alarm about the safety implications. Former Adjutant General Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma (retd) commented: "Must have been terrible and scary, Sir! Hope you and Mrs Hooda are well."
Rear Admiral M D Suresh (retd) highlighted the larger issue, stating: "'VIP' designation is itself misplaced — they are elected representatives of the citizens and nothing more, nothing less. The accompanying policemen are basking in reflected glory. Treating elected representatives as 'someone special' needs to end."
Interestingly, when contacted about filing an official police complaint, Lt Gen Hooda indicated he preferred to avoid bureaucratic procedures, choosing instead to highlight the "arrogance and impunity" of the police personnel through social media to bring about systemic awareness.
