Haryana Minister Anil Vij Clashes with Kaithal SP Over Suspension Order
A public grievance meeting in Kaithal turns tense as Minister Anil Vij orders an ASI suspended, sparring with the district police chief over authority.
A grievance redressal meeting in Kaithal, Haryana, turned confrontational when Minister Anil Vij chaired the session and directed that an ASI involved in a land-related probe be suspended, arguing the officer could influence the ongoing investigation. The Kaithal Superintendent of Police, Upasna, pushed back, stating that suspension is a prerogative of the competent authority and cannot be ordered unilaterally. She also said she would relay the matter to the DGP as required, emphasizing due process over swift populist action. The minister, undeterred, insisted that the communication be sent to the DGP and asserted that his instructions must be executed, signaling a direct clash between political directions and police protocol.
The tension eased only momentarily when the Kaithal Deputy Commissioner Aparajita intervened, noting that the SP had already agreed to write to the DGP. Vij, however, pressed ahead, signaling that he would ensure the order’s implementation regardless of the procedural carve-outs typically governing such actions. The exchange underscored a recurring pattern of friction between the minister and senior police officials during grievance meetings, raising questions about the boundaries of political direction in law enforcement matters.
This incident is part of a longer thread. About three months earlier, a similar dispute erupted at another grievance redressal session in Kaithal, where Vij alleged a police officer had ignored his directive to register a Zero FIR in a fraud case. Video footage from that event showed a combative exchange as Vij criticized the police’s functioning while the SP offered the department’s version. More than a decade ago, Vij was involved in a public disagreement with a woman IPS officer during a different grievance meeting, suggesting a continued pattern of high-profile clashes between the minister and police officials in official forums.
Observers say the latest confrontation highlights the delicate balance between political directives and police autonomy in Haryana. While supporters may view Vij’s insistence on following through with his orders as accountability, critics argue that such exchanges risk undermining established investigative processes and the impartiality of law enforcement. The incident continues to fuel debates on governance styles in the state and the proper channels through which political leaders can direct police actions without compromising due process.
