ACP’s anti-encroachment action caught on camera, relieved of traffic charge

A video showing ACP (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar getting vegetable vendors removed from a road in Bahadurgarh town during an anti-encroachment drive with the help of a JCB machine has gone viral on social media, drawing the attention of Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh. Following the video, the Traffic charge has been withdrawn from the ACP and he has been attached to the district headquarters in Jhajjar. Bahadurgarh ACP (Crime) Pradeep Nain has been assigned the Traffic charge, confirmed Rajshri Singh, Commissioner of Police, Jhajjar.

Taking note of the matter, the DGP issued a message to the district police, emphasising the need to ensure that field officers discharge their duties carefully in an era where every action is recorded. He also shared the message through his official social media handle, accompanied by a video statement from Bahadurgarh DCP Mayank Mishra.

In his statement, DCP Mishra said, “I want to discuss a video circulating on social media in which one of our officers is seen using a JCB machine to move vegetables. Upon examining the video and conducting a fact check, it was found that the incident took place in the Patel Nagar area, where several complaints had been received about road blockages and encroachments. The police team had gone to the spot accordingly.”

He added, “However, despite the right intention, the method adopted was inappropriate. This is not the department’s policy and amounts to an individual lapse in judgement. The officer concerned has been advised to remain cautious in future. Bahadurgarh and Jhajjar Police will continue to maintain law and order with sensitivity.”

In his message, the DGP also commented on the incident: “I have spoken with the Bahadurgarh DCP and the Jhajjar CP regarding the episode involving the removal of a vegetable vendor from the roadside. ACP Dinesh is an international boxer who joined the police force under the sports quota. His assignment was to keep the road clear, and he began removing encroachments with whatever resources were available. But when a bulldozer ran over a basket of vegetables, it was bound to make a story.”

In his poetic style, the DGP remarks this is the nature of police work: \I“Mukhtasar si zindagi ke ajeeb se afsane hain,Yahan teer bhi chalane hain aur parinde bhi bachane hain!”\I

Meanwhile, ACP Dinesh Kumar told \IThe Tribune\I that vendors had been allotted designated spaces nearby to sell their vegetables. Despite repeated warnings not to encroach upon the road—since it caused traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters—they paid no heed, he added.

“Moreover, two hospitals are located along the same road and traffic jams caused by the encroachments often delayed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients, hence we had to take action. However, no loss was caused to the vendors during the removal drive,” the ACP claimed.

Commission of Police Rajshri Singh too posted a message regarding the episode. “As you all know, we take complete care of the poor, needy, and those facing difficulties! We do not hurt anyone’s feelings! ACP Dinesh Kumar is a record-holding sportsperson and his intention is not to cause pain to anyone. Still, we assure you that no one will face injustice. We expect the public, shopkeepers, and vendors not to encroach on the roads, so that road users are not inconvenienced and everyone’s movement remains completely safe. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!,” she said.