In a decisive move to curb a growing public menace, the Punjab Police is set to launch a major crackdown against private individuals and security personnel who impersonate law enforcement agencies. The action targets the widespread use of private vehicles marked as 'Pilot' or 'Escort' and bouncers dressed in uniforms nearly identical to those of the Punjab Police.
The Menace of Mock Police Escorts
A common sight on Punjab's highways, these private convoys feature vehicles with blaring sirens and flashing beacons, tearing down roads with a so-called VIP in tow. To the average citizen, it is virtually impossible to distinguish these setups from genuine police-protected movements. The security personnel involved either wear grey safari suits with maroon turbans, closely resembling the Personal Security Officers (PSOs) of senior politicians, or are attired in black cargo pants and camouflaged T-shirts that mimic the Punjab Police uniform.
These individuals openly carry licensed pistols or revolvers and use commercially available walkie-talkies, completing an illusion of official authority. According to authorities and observers, most of these fake escorts are employed by private individuals, often businessmen, who are unable to secure official police protection but seek it due to perceived extortion threats or, in many cases, simply for show.
High Demand in a Booming Market
The personnel for these roles are typically hired from private security agencies or firms that supply bouncers. Data from the official 'Private Security Agency Licensing Portal' reveals that as many as 1,026 private security agencies are registered in Punjab under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005.
An industry insider, Vikky, who has 12 years of experience as a bouncer and now works for 'TriCity Bouncers Services', stated that the demand is particularly high for turbaned individuals who can be dressed to look like official PSOs. He linked the surge in demand to the real estate boom in areas like Mohali, attracting developers from Delhi and other regions who seek protection. The monthly cost to hire an armed bouncer ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000, depending on the type of weapon and license, with ex-servicemen sometimes accepting lower rates due to their pension.
Freelance journalist Swarn Singh Danewalia, who has documented several such instances on social media, condemned these fake VIPs as a public menace. "I have myself witnessed these private security personnel throw their weight around on roads and terrorising the common man," he said, adding that his formal complaint to the DGP Punjab's office had yet to yield action.
Official Response and Impending Action
The issue gained renewed attention in November 2025 when a car belonging to former Army Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda was hit by a negligently driven Punjab Police escort vehicle in Zirakpur. The investigation initially struggled to determine if the escort was genuine or a private imitation.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Special DGP Traffic and Road Safety, A.S. Rai, acknowledged the serious problem. "I have discussed this issue with other officials and we are taking it very seriously," Rai said. He emphasized that no one can be allowed to imitate law enforcement or usurp the role of the police. The officer confirmed that detailed guidelines to deal with such violations are being prepared and will be issued soon, promising severe action against offenders.
The crackdown aims to restore the sanctity of police protocols and ensure public roads are not held hostage by individuals playing dress-up with state authority. The move is widely seen as a necessary step to address a dangerous blurring of lines between official security and private pageantry.
