Haryana Minister Anil Vij Engages in Tense Standoff with Police Officer Over Suspension Directive
A contentious dispute unfolded between Haryana minister Anil Vij and Kaithal Superintendent of Police Upasna during a district grievance redressal meeting on Friday. The confrontation arose when the police officer refused to suspend an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) involved in a land-related case, asserting she lacked the jurisdictional authority to issue such an order.
Minister's Directive Meets Police Protocol Resistance
The incident occurred in Kaithal, where Vij, who holds the energy, transport, and labour portfolios, was presiding over the meeting. A local resident had raised allegations against an ASI concerning a land sale matter currently under investigation. During the proceedings, Vij directed the immediate suspension of the ASI, stating, "I am ordering that till action is taken in the matter, he should be suspended because he can use his influence in the case."
SP Upasna responded by explaining that the officer belonged to a neighbouring district and was not under her administrative control. "I don't have the power to suspend him. The suspension order in this case can be issued by the Kurukshetra SP," she clarified, adhering to police protocol.
Escalating Tensions and Ministerial Authority Assertion
Vij insisted that she act on his directive, telling her to write to the Director General of Police (DGP) for necessary action. The SP maintained her position, stating, "I can write this... But I cannot suspend the ASI." As the exchange grew more intense, Vij remarked, "In every work, you do like this. I am ordering you that he should be suspended. You write to the DGP... I am telling you, you only have to execute my order."
He further asserted his authority by declaring, "Mera order sare Haryana mein chalta hai" (my order is applicable in entire Haryana), which drew applause from some attendees, as captured in a video of the incident.
Intervention and Resolution Attempt
The complainant, who was present at the session, also intervened, saying, "Madam, every time you do like this." Sensing the escalating situation, Kaithal deputy commissioner Aparajita stepped in, informing the minister that the SP had agreed to write to the DGP. Vij responded, "You write to the DGP that he should be suspended... I will see who doesn't listen to the order," while pointing towards the SP.
History of Similar Confrontations
This is not the first instance of disagreement between Vij and senior police officials during grievance meetings. Three months ago, he had a similar altercation in Kaithal, alleging that a police officer ignored his directive to register a Zero FIR in a fraud case. More than a decade ago, Vij had also stormed out of a grievance meeting after a heated exchange with a woman IPS officer, highlighting a pattern of such incidents.
The ongoing tension underscores the challenges in balancing ministerial authority with established police procedures and jurisdictional limits in Haryana's administrative framework.
