Heated exchange between Vij, Kaithal SP at grievance meeting

Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij had a sharp verbal “clash” with Kaithal Superintendent of Police (SP) Upasana on Friday during the District Grievance Redressal Committee meeting.

Vij chaired the District Grievance Redressal Committee, where 15 complaints—nine old and six new—were heard, with several resolved on the spot.

The issue emerged during a hearing on a fraud complaint filed by Manjit Singh of Siwan Gate who alleged that no FIR had been registered in his case involving cheating in sending his daughter abroad. The investigating officer (IO) Om Parkash informed the minister that since the fraud took place in Chandigarh, the case had been forwarded there. This explanation irritated Vij, who insisted that a zero-FIR must be registered in Kaithal instead.

When the IO claimed that the complainant wished to pursue the case in Chandigarh, Vij demanded to see written proof. “Did the complainant give this in writing? Show me,” he said sharply, before calling the complainant on the spot. After speaking to him, the minister declared that the complainant did want Kaithal police to act and had accused the police of inaction despite delays. This triggered a tense exchange between the minister and the police officer.

The officer said, “Sir, you are not doing justice. You are spoiling my career. I am not responsible for not registering the FIR.” Vij shot back, “I am doing justice.” The investigating officer insisted there was “no fault” on his part, but Vij was unconvinced.

“You have not registered the case. I told you to register it in the last meeting. File the FIR before this meeting ends. Otherwise, I will suspend you,” the minister warned.

The confrontation, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, showed Vij asking the SP why the police have failed to take action on his directives. “How can you defy my order when I have directed the registration of FIR?” said Vij to the SP. However, the SP responded that they were following the process under BNS and the complainant was yet to file a written complaint with signature with Kaithal police.

Vij, while showing a complaint, directed the SP to consider the complaint filed in the Grievance Committee meeting, but the SP said that the complainant has to come to sign the complaint and assured to register the case.

Although Vij initially ordered the suspension of the police officer, he later revoked it after the SP clarified the officer’s service record. Still, Vij instructed that the FIR must be filed immediately and kept the matter pending for review. Later in the evening, FIR was registered, confirmed SP Upasana.